The Australian Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) condemns comments made by Israel’s Ambassador to Australia, dismissing serious allegations made by Australian participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla and attacking the character of those involved.
APAN welcomes the AFP’s decision to investigate these allegations. Australian citizens who have come forward with evidence deserve to be heard and the facts established through an independent process.
But investigations alone are not accountability. Where wrongdoing is identified, there must be consequences.
In a radio interview on the ABC this morning, the Ambassador described activists as “professional provocateurs”, suggested they were motivated by politics rather than humanitarian concern, questioned reported injuries, claimed there is no starvation in Gaza, and argued the Australian Federal Police is “wasting its time” investigating these allegations raised by Australian citizens.
Instead of allowing the investigation to run its course, the Ambassador chose to attack Australians who have come forward with evidence and testimony. In doing so, he has effectively called them liars before investigators have examined the facts.
The activists involved consistently maintain that they travelled to challenge Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid at a time when international agencies fail to act in the face of Israel’s genocide, andwarn of catastrophic humanitarian conditions. They have provided testimony to Australian authorities regarding allegations of assault, abuse and mistreatment following the interception of the vessel.
Just as revealing as the Ambassador’s comments were the questions he refused to answer.
When asked whether Australians serving in the Israeli military were involved, the Ambassador repeatedly sidestepped the question. Australians deserve a clear answer. Were Australian citizens involved in the interception of the flotilla? And if so, were any Australian laws broken?
— Katie Shammas, APAN Executive Officer
“The Ambassador’s comments reveal a disturbing contempt for Australian citizens seeking accountability. These citizens boarded the flotilla because Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza continues. The representative of the Israeli regime on this continent has effectively branded Australians as liars. That is not the conduct Australians should expect from a diplomatic representative, and his position should now be under review.
“The Australian Government has largely limited itself to expressions of concern but has finally opened an investigation into the Israeli regime’s actions. We demand answers: what happened to these Australians after Israeli forces intercepted their vessel, and were Australians serving in the Israeli military involved?”
APAN calls on the Australian Government to:
- Expel the Israeli Ambassador for publicly attacking Australian citizens and undermining legitimate investigations into allegations involving Australian nationals.
- Ensure the AFP investigation proceeds without interference.
- Seek and secure all available video, audio and operational records relating to the interception of the flotilla.
- Investigate whether Australians serving in the Israeli military were involved in actions against Australian citizens.
- Examine whether any Australian laws have been breached.
- Sanction individuals and entities implicated in violations of international law.
- Divest public funds from companies profiting from Israel’s occupation and military campaign.
- Support lawful boycott measures targeting institutions and corporations complicit in human rights abuses.
ENDS