Arabic version: نشطاء أستراليون يبلغون عن إساءة بعد اعتراض قافلة إسرائيلية

Australian activists who were detained by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza have returned home, with allegations of abuse surfacing. Organizers claim that the activists faced severe mistreatment, including sexual assaults and beatings, which resulted in some requiring hospitalization.

According to Al Jazeera, one activist, Juliet Lamont, described her harrowing experience upon arrival in Melbourne, stating she was dragged, sexually assaulted and beaten during her detention. Another activist, Sam Woripa Watson, reported sustaining a fractured rib and witnessing fellow activists being Tasered and shot with rubber bullets.

The flotilla, which consisted of 430 volunteers from 50 boats, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters last week. Eleven Australians were among those detained. Organizers noted that at least 15 detainees reported incidents of sexual assault or rape during their time in Israeli custody.

In response to the allegations, a Malaysian official announced plans to pursue legal action against Israel for the treatment of Malaysian activists involved in the flotilla. Amirudin Shari, the chief minister of Selangor, emphasized the need for accountability, stating that they would not stay silent about the violations of international law.

The incident has drawn international condemnation, including from several foreign ministers in the Middle East who criticized Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for his public humiliation of the activists. Ben-Gvir’s actions have led to calls for accountability under international humanitarian and human rights law.