CANBERRA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Australian authorities have launched an investigation into allegations that citizens were assaulted by Israeli forces after being detained while trying to deliver aid to Gaza by sea.
A group of Australian activists who were detained by Israeli forces in May on Monday met with Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and senior officials from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in Canberra to discuss their claims of abuse and mistreatment.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, activist Juliet Lamont said that the group had received assurances that the AFP would investigate the allegations.
"They have committed to an independent investigation into our allegations of kidnapping, abuse, rape and torture," she said.
In a statement provided to local media, the AFP said that it has begun inquiries into the allegations and would provide an update at an appropriate time.
The Australians were among a group of around 400 members of a flotilla who were intercepted and detained by Israel on May 18 while trying to deliver food, medicine and baby formula to the Gaza Strip.
Members of the flotilla later in May presented evidence of their alleged abuse to the International Criminal Court.
Addressing a Senate hearing at the start of June, Wong said that she believes the Australian activists' accusations.
The Israeli embassy in Canberra said in a statement posted on social media on Monday that it categorically rejects the group's allegations. ■
