Penny Wong Backs 3 Australian Women's Assault Claims Against Israeli Soldiers After Gaza Flotilla
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 4
Penny Wong Backs 3 Australian Women's Assault Claims Against Israeli Soldiers After Gaza Flotilla
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 4
Summary
Penny Wong told a Senate estimates hearing she believes Australian women who say Israeli soldiers sexually assaulted and beat them after intercepting a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, calling the alleged treatment “unacceptable” and “distressing.”
Three Australians publicly detailed the claims: Juliet Lamont alleged rape, beatings and near-drowning; Neve O’Connor described physical abuse and sexual humiliation; Violet CoCo said she was stripped, beaten and sexually assaulted.
Wong said Canberra had already raised concerns with Israel over the detainees’ treatment and over Israel’s refusal to grant Australian diplomats access to the 11 Australians held after the interception.
Three flotilla members, including Lamont, later sought meetings with Wong and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, urging sanctions on Israel, while the Israeli embassy said the allegations were entirely baseless.
Wong said ties with Israel are in one of their most difficult periods, citing Gaza violence, West Bank settlements, the stalled Zomi Frankcom investigation and what she called a broader pattern of behavior.