Australia's government is pessimistic on the prospects of a proper probe into the alleged abuse suffered by participants of a controversial aid mission to Gaza.
The frank assessment was given by Foreign Minister Penny Wong on a combustible day in the hot seat in Senate estimates on Thursday.
Questioning between senators devolved into a shouting match at different points, requiring the chair to twice shut down the session to take scheduled breaks.
Watching on were three women who joined global efforts to deliver medical support and aid by sea to the annexed territory.
Those aboard allege violence and sexual abuse at the hands of Israel's defence force, which intercepted their fleet and detained them before their eventual release.
Juliet Lamont, who alleges she was raped by an Israeli solder, wanted Senator Wong to speak about the experiences of the flotilla activists publicly.
