Israeli embassy rejects flotilla abuse allegations

The Israeli embassy has “categorically” rejected claims that activists on the most recent Gaza flotilla were subjected to any abuse.

Claims emerged after the flotilla was intercepted last week that participants were subjected to physical abuse, torture and even sexual assault. Several dozen protesters – including two of the Australian flotilla activists – demonstrated at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday over the alleged mistreatment.

“Such claims are entirely baseless and are intended solely to advance the provocateurs’ smear campaign against Israel,” the embassy said in a statement on Tuesday.

“No real evidence was presented to support them.”

It added that participants pictured with injuries had appeared in other photos “looking very healthy”.