Sydney, May 25 (SANA) Australian activists who returned home after being detained by Israeli forces during the “Al-Sumud Flotilla” mission said they were subjected to beatings, sexual assaults and abuse after the aid convoy was intercepted in international waters last week.
Reuters reported Monday that 11 Australians were among 430 volunteers aboard 50 boats intercepted by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. The flotilla included participants from 40 countries.
An Australian activist and documentary filmmaker told Reuters she was dragged, sexually assaulted and beaten during detention, describing the experience as the beginning of four days of severe suffering.
Another activist said he sustained a fractured rib, bruises and cuts, adding that he witnessed activists being tasered, shot with rubber bullets and targeted with stun grenades.
Organizers of the flotilla said they had documented at least 15 cases of sexual assault involving detained activists.
The allegations increased international criticism of Israel following the circulation of a video showing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir mocking restrained activists lying on the ground.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the footage as “shocking and unacceptable.”
Australia imposed travel restrictions and financial sanctions on Ben-Gvir last year over accusations of inciting violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
IZ/RK
