Australian activists back home after Gaza flotilla interception, allege Israeli abuse and sexual assaults

* Note: Graphic content

SYDNEY, May 25 — Australian activists detained by Israel while on a ‌flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza have returned home, with organisers alleging abuse, sexual assault, and beatings, that left some detainees in hospital.

Israel’s prison service has ‌denied the allegations, which Reuters could not independently verify. Eleven Australians were among the 430 volunteers on 50 boats intercepted in international waters last week by Israeli forces aiming to stop the flotilla delivering aid supplies to the Gaza Strip. The flotilla included people from 40 countries.

One activist reached Melbourne yesterday evening, while others arrived in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane today.

Juliet Lamont, an Australian activist and documentary filmmaker, told Reuters today she was dragged, sexually assaulted and beaten when she was detained.

“That ‌was just the beginning of four days of absolute hell. I’ve looked ⁠into the eyes of the most ⁠soulless people in the universe, and nothing came ⁠back. These people need to ⁠be stopped,” Lamont said. Another ⁠Australian activist, Sam Woripa Watson, said he sustained a fractured rib along with bruises and cuts across his body. Watson also said he had ⁠witnessed activists being tasered and shot with rubber bullets, with stun grenades thrown at them. Global Sumud Flotilla, the organisers of the aid shipment, said it had documented at least 15 cases of sexual abuse, with the worst occurring on one Israeli landing craft which had been converted into a ⁠makeshift prison with barbed wire and shipping containers.

The statement was released after the Israeli prison service’s blanket denial of mistreatment, rape and ⁠sexual assault allegations. The allegations of mistreatment have increased international pressure on Israel, following a ⁠video posted ⁠by far-right Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in which he taunted activists restrained on the ground, sparking widespread condemnation.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the footage as “shocking and unacceptable.” ‌Australia imposed a travel ban and financial sanctions on Ben-Gvir last year for inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. — Reuters

* If you are experiencing sexual violence, the following hotlines offer free and confidential support: Talian Kasih at 15999 or WhatsApp 019-2615999 (24/7); All Women’s Action Society at 016-2374221/016-2284221 (9.30am-5.30pm); and Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) at 03-30008858 or SMS/WhatsApp TINA 018-9888058 (24/7)

المصدر: Malay Mail