Global Sumud Flotilla

Question

1. At what time and on what date did DFAT first become aware that Australian citizens aboard the flotilla had been detained? 2. At what point did DFAT first become aware of allegations of physical mistreatment, injuries and degrading treatment of detainees? 3. Can DFAT provide a chronology of all actions taken by the Australian Government from first awareness of the detention through to summoning the Israeli Ambassador? 4. Before Australia summoned the Israeli Ambassador, which other governments had already publicly condemned the treatment of detainees or summoned Israeli representatives? 5. Was DFAT monitoring diplomatic responses by partner countries including Spain, Canada, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and the United Kingdom? 6. Was the decision to summon the Israeli Ambassador taken independently of those international responses, or were developments in partner countries taken into account? 7. Had Australia considered summoning the Ambassador before those international actions were taken? 8. If so, when was that consideration first raised internally? 9. Can DFAT explain why public condemnation and stronger diplomatic action occurred at the point it did, rather than earlier? 10. Beyond summoning the Israeli Ambassador and making diplomatic representations, what additional measures has Australia taken in response to the detention and alleged mistreatment of Australian citizens? 11. What practical consequences, if any, has Australia communicated to Israeli authorities in response to the reported treatment of Australian citizens? 12. Has DFAT advised government on options for further diplomatic escalation beyond expressions of concern and summoning the Ambassador? 13. Has the Government considered additional diplomatic measures, including formal protests, reviews of bilateral engagement, travel advice changes or other accountability mechanisms? 14. Can DFAT explain what escalation pathways are available where Australian citizens are detained and allegedly mistreated by a foreign government? 15. What factors determine whether Australia moves beyond statements and diplomatic representations to stronger measures? 16. Does DFAT consider the current Australian response sufficient to deter future mistreatment of Australian citizens? 17. Has DFAT assessed whether the actions taken to date are likely to prevent similar treatment of Australians in future? 18. Has Australia sought assurances from Israeli authorities regarding the treatment, release and safety of detained Australians? 19. Have those assurances been received and, if so, is DFAT satisfied with them? 20. Has Australia requested any investigation or accountability process regarding allegations of physical mistreatment and degrading treatment of detainees? 21. Has DFAT sought explanations from Israeli authorities regarding allegations of injuries, degrading treatment and other reported mistreatment? 22. What consequences follow where diplomatic representations are made to a foreign government but concerns remain unresolved?

Answer

Please see attached answer

Documents

• Question with answer (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
• 167.pdf (opens in a new tab)