Wong backs flotilla abuse claims amid Israel tensions

Foreign Minister Penny Wong told Senate estimates that she believes Australian women who allege they were sexually assaulted and beaten by Israeli soldiers after the Gaza flotilla, calling the treatment unacceptable and saying such allegations should be handled seriously. Australia has raised concerns with Israel and sought diplomatic access for detained Australians; the claims, detailed by Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi and involving figures like Juliet Lamont, Neve O’Connor, and Violet CoCo, have intensified scrutiny of the Australia-Israel relationship as Israel denies the accusations. The discussion also touches on broader tensions, including aid workers’ deaths and Australia’s stance toward Netanyahu’s government, with calls for accountability and potential meetings between officials and flotilla participants.