Australia to probe assault claims by Gaza flotilla activists against Israeli forces

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) are investigating claims that Israeli forces raped and tortured a group of activists who were detained after trying to deliver aid to Gaza by boat.The move was announced shortly after four female activists, who were part of the Global Sumud flotilla in May, met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and senior officials including police on Monday. An Israeli embassy spokesperson said there was "no credible evidence" to back the claims and no formal complaint had yet been made to them.Eleven Australians were among hundreds of activists detained by Israeli forces on 18 May after their Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla was intercepted.After Monday's meeting, one of the activists, Juliet Lamont, said Wong "believes" the group's claims against Israeli forces and police had indicated they would take action."They have committed to an independent investigation into our allegations of kidnapping, abuse, rape, torture," Lamont told reporters.The AFP confirmed it had "begun inquiries into allegations made by a representative of the group" and that it "engages with a victim centric, trauma-informed approach". "The AFP will provide an update at an appropriate time," the spokesperson said.