The Australian Centre for International Justice (ACIJ) welcomes the Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation into grave allegations of violence, sexual assault and other mistreatment by Israeli authorities against principled Australian humanitarian activists who recently participated in the Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla.
Between 18 to 19 May 2026, Israeli naval authorities unlawfully intercepted numerous civilian vessels in international waters attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge the illegal 17-year naval blockade on Gaza. The interception took place amid Israel’s ongoing genocidal campaign against Palestinians in Gaza, where over the last three years civilians have been subjected to catastrophic and life-threatening shortages of food, water, medicine and other basic necessities indispensable to life.
Australian flotilla survivors have provided testimony alleging grave mistreatment, including rape and other forms of sexual violence, severe physical assaults, torture, degrading and humiliating treatment, threats, sleep deprivation, and the deprivation of food, water and medical care.
These are extremely serious allegations. In the context of an armed conflict, and where the conduct is connected to the enforcement of an unlawful blockade and the obstruction of humanitarian aid, the alleged conduct may amount to war crimes. In addition, the conduct must be investigated as potential crimes against humanity, and where relevant, as conduct connected to genocide, including the deliberate infliction of conditions of life calculated to bring about the physical destruction of Palestinian life in Gaza.
These allegations are not only matters of international criminal law. They concern serious violence committed against Australian nationals while abroad, and may also engage Commonwealth offences concerning the intentional or reckless infliction of serious harm on Australian citizens or residents outside Australia.
ACIJ reiterates its call for the Australian Government to take all lawful steps to protect Australian nationals, support survivors, preserve evidence, and ensure accountability for serious international crimes committed against Palestinians and those acting in solidarity with them.
ACIJ represents two members of the flotilla, Ms Violet CoCo and Ms Helen O’Sullivan.
Ms Rawan Arraf, Principal Lawyer at the Australian Centre for International Justice said:
“This AFP investigation is a welcome and significant step. It is a testament to the strength of the flotilla survivors and their families, who have been unwavering in their demands for justice and accountability.
“The AFP must ensure that these allegations are investigated for what they are: allegations of grave international crimes, including war crimes and crimes against humanity. Australia has a responsibility to investigate credible allegations of serious international crimes committed against Australians, and to ensure that perpetrators are not shielded from accountability.
“We are ready to assist the AFP in its investigation and we encourage the AFP to work with their counterparts in France and Italy who have already commenced investigations concerning the treatment of their nationals aboard the flotilla.
“The investigation should not be treated as an isolated incident. We call on the AFP to open a broader structural investigation into Israel’s unlawful blockade and siege of Gaza, and to identify the Israeli military and civilian officials responsible for its design, authorisation and enforcement.
“Such an investigation should also examine credible allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide connected to the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Lebanon. It should also include the investigation of Australian dual citizens or residents alleged to have served in, assisted, financed or otherwise supported units or operations implicated in these serious international crimes.
“Australia must not become a safe haven for perpetrators of atrocity crimes. The Department of Home Affairs should also ensure visa and entry processes include robust, evidence-based screening of any person seeking to enter Australia, including Israelis of military age, where there are credible allegations of Commonwealth offences.”
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