Australia to probe Israel’s alleged abuse of flotilla activists

<p> SYDNEY: Australia’s federal police said Monday they are investigating claims of abuse by Israeli officials made by citizens who were detained following the interception of their Gaza-bound aid flotilla last month.<br /> Some members of a group of Australian activists have alleged they were subjected to “physical, psychological and sexual abuse” by their Israeli captors and demanded Canberra take action.<br /> Following a meeting with Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Monday, the group said the Australian government had “committed to undertaking an independent investigation” into those allegations.<br /> In a statement, Australia’s federal police confirmed they had “begun inquiries into allegations made by a representative of the group.”<br /> “The (police force) engages with a victim centric, trauma-informed approach,” a spokesperson said, adding they would “provide an update at an appropriate time.”<br /> Foreign Minister Wong said this month she believed women who said they had been subject to sexual abuse and assault by Israeli forces.<br /> Israel’s embassy in Canberra did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.<br /> Israel detained more than 430 activists from countries around the world in May after intercepting them in international waters.<br /> It was the latest in a string of attempts by activists to break the Israeli blockade of the Palestinian territory.<br /> Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir sparked widespread condemnation after he posted a video mocking the flotilla activists while their hands were bound.<br /> A number of European countries have banned Ben Gvir from entering over his conduct.<br /> The far-right minister has been under a travel ban barring him from entry to Australia since last year.</p>