Australian survivors of physical, psychological and sexual abuse by Israeli authorities met today with Foreign Minister, Senator The Hon Penny Wong, The Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, a Deputy Commissioner of the AFP and a senior official from DFAT. As a result the Australian Government has committed to undertaking an independent investigation into the assaults, sexual assaults and torture of the flotilla humanitarians.
The Australians were among humanitarian volunteers detained by Israel after attempting to deliver food, medicine and humanitarian aid to starving civilians in Gaza.
QUOTE – JULIET LAMONT
"We came here seeking justice for survivors of Israel's abuse of Australian citizens. Today we secured an Australian investigation.”
"Believing survivors is the first step. Investigation is the second. Justice is the third.There must be consequences for Israel’s brutality."
The delegation raised four key demands:
• An independent Australian investigation into the treatment of Australian citizens by Israel
• Consequences for those who denied, minimised or misrepresented the abuse of survivors
• Public condemnation of torture and sexual violence against Australian citizens and Palestinians
• An end to Australian military support, cooperation and assistance to Israel
Participants welcomed the commitment but stressed that investigation is only the beginning.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Participants said the abuses they experienced mirror what Palestinians and international human rights organisations have been reporting for decades.
The United Nations, human rights organisations and former detainees have documented allegations of torture, sexual violence and abuse involving Palestinians for years,
Australian survivors say their experiences reinforce the urgent need for accountability.
QUOTE – NEVE O’CONNOR
"What happened to us is what Palestinians have been warning the world about for decades."
"The same methods. The same perpetrators. The same chain of command."
"This investigation matters not only because Australians were harmed. It matters because it exposes the nature of the state responsible."
QUOTE – GEMMA O’TOOLE
"No Australian should want our country closely aligned with a state being investigated for torture, sexual violence and abuse. This should concern every Australian."
"If these allegations are substantiated, Australia must immediately stop sending taxpayer-funded weapons and parts directly or indirectly to Israel."
NEXT STEPS
Survivors will continue to campaign for accountability, transparency and justice.
They will monitor the progress of the investigation, seek clear timelines and continue advocating for the rights of Palestinians and for accountability for serious abuses committed against Australian citizens.
QUOTE – ISLA LAMONT
“Israel tortured and sexually abused Australians. They are dangerous and poisonous and Australians want nothing to do with their crimes against our people.”
Contact details:
Jane Salmon M: 0417 919 354 (Global Sumud Flotilla)
Subhi Awad M: 0408 760 991
For Gemma O’Toole:
James Godfrey
Signal: 0424 340 630 (Free Gaza Australia)
For Surya McEwen:
Jessica Mamone M: 0418 187 382
email :[email protected] (Global Sumud Flotilla)
