Wong says she believes activists who say they were sexually assaulted in Israeli custody

Lead

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has told a parliamentary hearing she believes the allegations of Australian activists who say they were sexually assaulted while detained by Israeli forces. Appearing at Senate estimates, Wong said the treatment of the women was "unacceptable" and the allegations were "distressing."

"My principled position is to always believe women when allegations of sexual assault are made," Wong said.

Coverage Comparison

Both ABC Australia and The Guardian reported on Wong's remarks at the Senate estimates hearing, with consistent details about the flotilla, the allegations, and the government's response. ABC Australia's report focused on Wong's belief in the women and included a warning about distressing content. The Guardian's report emphasized the government's response and included quotes from Senator Mehreen Faruqi detailing the allegations.

The two outlets differed slightly in their framing: ABC Australia's tone was described as neutral and investigative, while The Guardian's was more critical of Israel's actions. Both quoted Wong directly and included statements from the IDF.

Key Claims

• Eleven Australians were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which sailed from Mediterranean ports in an attempt to deliver food, medicine, and baby formula to Gaza.
• The boats were intercepted by Israeli naval forces, and those onboard—unarmed civilians—were detained and deported. Some alleged violent abuse, including beatings and rape.
• Wong told the Senate estimates committee: "Those allegations are terrible. They are horrific. The treatment is unacceptable. And I express my empathy to those women to whom that was done."
• Israel has denied the allegations.
• The Australian government has raised concerns with Israel over the treatment of flotilla sailors and Israel's refusal to grant Australian diplomats access to the detained Australians.
• The Global Sumud Flotilla has lodged a submission with the International Criminal Court alleging war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture, and other breaches of international law.
• The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has previously rejected claims that flotilla participants were mistreated while in custody.

Perspectives

Australian Government: Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed belief in the women and called the alleged treatment unacceptable, stating the government had raised concerns with Israel.

Israel Defense Forces: The IDF has rejected claims that flotilla participants were mistreated, stating that orders require respectful and appropriate treatment of those on intercepted vessels.

Flotilla Participants: Activists allege violent abuse including beatings, sexual assault, and rape. These accounts were detailed by Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi during the hearing.