Australian activists return from Global Sumud Flotilla, alleging assault by Israeli forces

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[00:00:01][cheering] >> Australian activists detained by Israel after taking part in a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza returned to Sydney on Monday alleging abuse and violence during their detention. The 11 Australians were among 430 activists aboard 50 vessels intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters last week while taking part in the global summit flotilla mission to Gaza. Several activists claimed they were beaten, sexually assaulted and subjected to harsh treatment while in custody.

[00:00:36]I was dragged into a darkened container ship on a prison boat. I was sexually assaulted. I was beaten and 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. Uh, I have a fractured rib and bruises and cuts all over my body.

[00:01:04]But by far the worst thing was being there the whole time seeing and listening to uh, my friends be punched and kicked and tazed and shot with uh, bean bag bullets and have stun grenades thrown at them for two days on a prison ship and then for a another day and a half uh, in occupied Palestine.

[00:01:34]We were filmed by locals who were laughing.

[00:01:36]Laughing at our abuse and laughing at our pain.

[00:01:40]When we were funneled onto the steps of the airplane, I actually fell.

[00:01:44]And when it happened when I fell was three grown men began to stomp on my wrists and my stomach and my face as they laughed and they threw slurs at us.

[00:01:53]I want you to think when you listen to my story, think not of our pain but of those of the Palestinians. For decades and for generations, they've been shouldering the brunt of their resilience and their perseverance alone.

[00:02:04]We are all Palestinians.

[00:02:07]Organizers from the Global Summit Flotilla said they had documented at least 15 alleged cases of sexual abuse, with some incidents said to have occurred on an Israeli landing craft converted into a temporary prison. The allegations came after Israel's prison service denied claims of mistreatment, rape, and sexual assault. The incident has intensified international pressure on Israel following the circulation of a video showing far-right Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir appearing to taunt restrained activists, drawing widespread criticism.