The Australian Labor government has committed to undertaking an independent investigation into the assaults, sexual assaults and torture of humanitarians aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla.
The flotilla was intercepted by Israeli authorities in late April, and crews were held captive. Later they claimed to have sustained assaults, sexual assaults and torture.
In a media release, the spokesperson said survivors of physical, psychological and sexual abuse by Israeli authorities met yesterday with Foreign Minister, Senator, Penny Wong, 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’.
Seeking justice
One of the flotilla crew was northern rivers resident and film maker, Juliet Lamont.
She said, ‘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.
‘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’.
Another crew member, Neve O’Connor said, ‘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.’
Global Sumud Flotilla media say, ‘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’.
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