The Australian Federal Police has begun inquiries into allegations made by four Australian women detained after taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla. The women allege abuse and sexual assault in Israeli custody, the AFP says it is taking a victim-centric, trauma-informed approach, and Anthony Albanese says police must act independently.

The Australian Federal Police has begun inquiries into allegations made by four Australian women detained after taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla, adding an official Australian response to claims of abuse and sexual violence in custody.

The women, identified in reporting as Juliet Lamont, Neve O'Connor, Gemma O'Toole and Luca Lamont, allege they were mistreated by Israeli authorities after the aid flotilla was intercepted. Israel and the Israeli embassy in Australia deny the allegations.

AFP inquiry

The AFP said it had started inquiries after a meeting in Canberra with the women, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, International Development Minister Anne Aly, AFP officials and officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The force said it would take a victim-centric and trauma-informed approach. Reporting says the inquiry follows allegations raised by a representative of the group.

Canberra meeting

The activists returned to Australia and later met with government and law enforcement officials at Parliament House.

They described the meeting as harrowing and said Wong supported their call for an independent investigation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the AFP must operate independently of government.

Background

The Global Sumud Flotilla was an aid mission aimed at reaching Gaza. The Australian case is being framed publicly as a complaint about treatment after detention, rather than about the voyage itself.

Earlier reporting had already drawn attention to footage and condemnation of Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over the treatment of detainees. The latest AFP move gives the allegations a formal domestic police response.

What happens next

It is not yet clear whether the AFP inquiry will become a formal criminal investigation. Other open questions include whether the women file a formal crime report, whether Australian officials make any separate diplomatic move, and whether Israel provides further detail beyond its denial.

Revision note

Initial automated publication.