An Australian doctor who was part of the Global Sumud flotilla has described the violent treatment she and other activists allegedly faced after being detained by Israeli forces. The flotilla was attempting to break Israel's naval blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
Allegations of Brutality
Bianca Webb-Pullman, a doctor from Australia, said activists were handled roughly after being transferred to what she described as a prison boat. She recounted being dragged off the vessel at the port and forced into stress positions, calling the treatment 'worse than animals.'
Ben-Gvir's Controversial Video
Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, sparked widespread condemnation and diplomatic backlash on Wednesday by posting a video showing the detained activists with their hands tied and foreheads on the ground as he taunted them. The incident prompted criticism within Israel and from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu defended the interception of the flotilla but said Ben-Gvir's treatment of the activists was 'not in line with Israel's values and norms.'
International Reaction
Eleven Australian Gaza flotilla activists detained by Israel were deported to Turkey. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned the Israeli minister over what she called 'shocking and unacceptable' treatment of the flotilla activists.
The incident has further strained relations between Israel and Australia, with human rights groups calling for an independent investigation into the allegations of mistreatment.
