The abuse suffered by members of the Gaza aid flotilla, which included 11 Australians, has provoked outrage around the world and been condemned by numerous world leaders.
As well the ritualistic abuse and humiliation inflicted on flotilla members detained by Israel at the hands of government minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, numerous detainees have also alleged physical and sexual assault.
But the reporting of these allegations, at least in Australia, has been unlike coverage of previous incidents of Australians being detained, mistreated and physically abused overseas.
Multiple stories quote Israeli government officials denying the allegations before they actually quote any victims. The usual jingoism that accompanies stories of Australians being mistreated by authoritarian governments overseas is absent, replaced instead with significant scepticism and, in some instances, heavy-handed interrogation.
The most extreme example of this was an interview of flotilla participant Neve O’Connor conducted by ABC 7:30 host Sarah Ferguson. Very rarely, if ever, will you see a victim alleging physical assault and sexual harassment whilst being imprisoned questioned in this manner.
