Australia has pledged to conduct an independent investigation into allegations that Israeli forces assaulted, sexually abused and tortured activists detained from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
The Global Movement to Gaza Aotearoa-Australia said the commitment came after a meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Minister for International Development Anne Aly, and senior representatives of the Australian Federal Police and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
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The group said Australian officials agreed to look into claims of mistreatment of activists who were intercepted and taken into custody by Israeli forces while sailing in international waters as part of a humanitarian flotilla headed for Gaza.
The development follows similar moves in Europe, where Italy and France have launched investigations into Israel’s treatment of flotilla participants. Italian authorities are also reportedly examining actions involving far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, including a video showing detainees being forced into humiliating positions aboard the vessel where they were held.
The allegations have added to growing international scrutiny over the handling of activists detained during Gaza-bound aid missions, as several countries consider legal and diplomatic responses.
With inputs from Al Jazeera