Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has stated she believes the Australian women who allege they were raped and beaten by Israeli soldiers after being detained as part of a humanitarian flotilla attempting to bring aid to Gaza. Appearing at Senate estimates, Wong described the treatment of the Australian women as 'unacceptable' and the allegations as 'distressing.'
Wong's Position on Sexual Assault Allegations
'My principled position is to always believe women when allegations of sexual assault are made,' Wong said. She expressed empathy for the women involved, calling the allegations 'terrible' and 'horrific.' 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.
Details of the Allegations
Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi detailed allegations made by some of the Australians detained by Israel. Juliet Lamont claimed she was sexually assaulted, beaten, cable-tied, and had water thrown in her face to the point of near drowning. She stated, 'They wrenched my trousers and underwear down and I was raped by one of the soldiers.' Another participant, Neve O'Connor, reported being abused, physically beaten, and sexually humiliated. Violet CoCo alleged she was held at gunpoint, stripped, and pushed into a shipping container where she was beaten, kicked, and sexually assaulted.
Faruqi asked Wong directly: 'Do you believe these women?' Wong responded, 'My principled position is to always believe women when allegations of sexual assault are made.' In a heated exchange, Wong reaffirmed her stance, saying, 'You should believe, and I believe, women who come forward with these assertions.'
Government Response and Broader Context
Wong confirmed her office is in direct contact with some of the Australian women from the flotilla. She stated, 'My view is that women should be believed in these allegations, which are confronting and distressing, should be dealt with respectfully and seriously.' Three flotilla members, including Lamont, held a press conference at Parliament House, calling for a meeting with the foreign and prime ministers. Lamont expressed gratitude for Wong's belief but demanded further action, including sanctions against Israel.
The Israeli embassy in Australia dismissed the allegations as baseless, claiming the flotilla was 'organised for provocation rather than humanitarian concern' and that the provocateurs were 'neither tortured nor raped.' Wong also addressed Australia's broader relationship with Israel, rejecting the term 'ally' and noting that Australia is experiencing 'one of the most challenging times' in the bilateral relationship. She condemned the violence in Gaza, illegal settlements, and the lack of progress in investigations into the death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom.
Wong decried Israel's refusal to allow Australian diplomats to work in Palestine, damage to Australian war graves in Gaza, and alleged mistreatment of Australian citizens, stating that unless the pattern of behaviour changes, it is difficult to see the relationship improving.
