Flotilla activists take evidence of alleged abuse to The Hague
Australians who were detained by Israeli forces while trying to bring aid to Gaza took evidence of alleged violations to the International Criminal Court.
A flotilla of 400 people, including 11 Australians, was detained by Israel in international waters on May 18, and evidence was presented to The Hague on Friday that the Australians were sexually assaulted and injected with unknown substances.
Australian lawyer Bernadette Zaydan, who was part of the legal team that presented the evidence to the court, said that war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture and other serious violations of international law were committed by Israeli forces.
“The Australian government needs to urgently review its diplomatic, military and economic relations with Israel,” Zaydan said.
“For survivors, this is the beginning of accountability.
“This is not just about the violent interception of the Global Sumud Fleet ships, it is about the thousands of Palestinians who live and die under the same system of abuse, impunity and violence.”
The fleet, consisting of 50 boats with approximately 400 people from approximately 50 countries, was trying to bring food, medicine and baby food to the war-torn Gaza Strip.
The Israeli embassy said the flotilla’s “false claims by provocateurs were pre-scripted and written for only one purpose: to denigrate Israel.”
“The provocateurs were neither tortured nor raped. Such allegations are completely baseless and are only intended to further the provocateurs’ smear campaign against Israel,” the embassy said in a statement late Saturday.
Zaydan said there was evidence that the Australian had a broken cheekbone, cracked ribs, a broken coccyx and contusions. He said a Turkish hospital had provided evidence of these injuries, which formed part of the briefing.
According to the United Nations World Food Programme, more than 72,000 people were killed and the region’s infrastructure was destroyed in Israel’s military retaliation in Gaza after the events of October 7, 2023.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir faced widespread condemnation after releasing a video in which he mocked detainees while they were kneeling with their heads on the ground and their hands were tied behind their backs.
The video led the Australian government to formally rebuke Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, while senior ministers described Ben-Gvir’s behavior as “disgraceful”.
But activists want stronger action and sanctions against Israel, as well as the involvement of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“If the Australian voice can be heard in The Hague but not in Canberra, something has gone terribly wrong,” said fleet participant Juliet Lamont.
Lawyers continue to collect evidence, including witness statements and medical examination records, to make a formal presentation to the court.
Israel’s prison service denied the allegations of abuse.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the pro-terrorist flotilla’s attempt to reach Gaza was a ridiculous attempt to undermine the President. [Donald] Trump’s successful progress towards lasting peace in the region.”
The US also imposed sanctions on four activists associated with the flotilla.
In the statement made by the embassy, it was stated that Israel will continue to act in full compliance with international law and will not allow any violation of the legal naval blockade of Gaza.
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