Eleven Australian aid workers have returned home following their detention by Israeli forces during an international humanitarian mission to Gaza, bringing with them disturbing accounts of their treatment while in custody.
The activists were part of a 430-person volunteer group from 40 nations operating 50 vessels that were stopped in international waters last week as they attempted to transport aid supplies to Gaza.
The returning Australians arrived at various airports over the weekend and Monday, landing in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane after what organizers describe as a traumatic ordeal.
Documentary filmmaker and activist Juliet Lamont described her experience to reporters Monday, saying she endured physical violence and sexual assault during her capture.
“That was just the beginning of four days of absolute hell. I’ve looked into the eyes of the most soulless people in the universe, and nothing came back. These people need to be stopped,” Lamont said.
Fellow Australian activist Sam Woripa Watson reported suffering a broken rib along with multiple bruises and cuts. Watson also described witnessing other volunteers being subjected to tasers, rubber bullets, and stun grenades.
The flotilla’s organizing group, Global Sumud Flotilla, claims to have recorded evidence of at least 15 instances of sexual abuse. According to their statement, the most severe incidents occurred aboard an Israeli vessel that had been modified into a temporary detention facility using barbed wire and shipping containers.
Israeli prison authorities have categorically rejected all accusations of mistreatment, sexual assault, and abuse. Reuters was unable to independently confirm the activists’ claims.
The controversy has intensified international criticism of Israel, particularly after far-right Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted video footage showing him mocking detained activists who were restrained on the ground.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned the video as “shocking and unacceptable.” Australia previously imposed travel restrictions and financial penalties on Ben-Gvir last year due to his role in encouraging violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
