Australian Gaza Flotilla Activists Detained by Israel Complain of ‘Humiliating’ Conditions

Australian activists detained in Israeli custody have described enduring what they call “demeaning and insulting conditions” following their arrest aboard a humanitarian convoy carrying aid to Gaza.

An activist, McEwen, stated he was slapped and experienced a shoulder injury and had his head slammed into the ground.

Health Concerns and Detention Conditions

A second participant, Lamont, expressed grave concern about her health, saying she was at danger of stroke after her daily medication were seized by Israeli security forces.

She portrayed the prison environment as “dystopian” and added that her appeal for additional drugs had not been fulfilled.

McEwen and Lamont are among seven Australians confirmed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to have been taken into custody in Israel.

Authorities stated they are providing consular assistance to the individuals, including through in-person visits.

Allegations of Unsafe Facilities

The activists are being detained in a high-security prison in the Negev desert and allege that they and other detainees were given water that was contaminated due to a foul odor.

He told consular staff that he had been held in a enclosure with 80 other people without food or water, while being subjected to verbal attacks from authorities.

She stated that upon arriving the detention center, she was taken to a room with female detainees and berated by guards, who labeled them “terrorists”.

Interception and Handling Information

The care worker, aged 40, and Lamont, 54 years old, were arrested on last week when their Gaza-bound ships were stopped by the naval forces.

They were part of the international aid mission involving dozens of boats and hundreds of participants, including lawmakers, lawyers, and activists.

Dfat officials visited the detained Australians on the following day.

According to a report seen by media outlets, McEwen detailed “degrading and humiliating treatment” after being transferred to the port of Ashdod.

He stated that his morale was poor due to restriction of rest and physical intimidation from detention staff.

Family Worries and Medical Issues

His mother, Jacinta McEwen, a former nurse, said she had been contacting Dfat for daily updates and was worried about the “full-on” situation her son was facing.

“I am concerned about his dislocated shoulder, head injury, and lack of medical attention,” she remarked.

She thought her son’s deportation was being hindered because he declined to sign a form admitting he had breached immigration laws.

The convoy argues it was wrongfully stopped by the naval forces in international waters.

He also informed officials that authorities had destroyed pages of his travel document because it was microchipped.

Both activists discarded their mobile devices into the sea before their capture.

Differences in Arrest Experiences

While he said his arrest on board the Mia Mia was carried out with minimal force, she – sailing on a different ship – described a “humiliating” ordeal.

She claimed her hands were zip-tied behind her back, she was sprayed with a water cannon, and was left to sit in an stifling space with her hands restrained and clothes soaked for seven hours.

During this time, she said her head was forcibly pushed by officials.

Prison Environment and Health Effects

Both are being detained in Ketziot prison, which is mainly utilized to hold inmates, many of whom authorities accuses of involvement in militant or terrorist activities.

After Australian officials visited her, they noted she was “deeply upset”, weeping repeatedly during the visit.

The parent was described as feeling thirsty, feeble, lightheaded, and confused.

She mentioned a guard had warned her that water from taps was unsafe to drink, and she believed her lack of fluids was exacerbating her hypertension.

On the day of her arrest, after her prescription was confiscated, Lamont explained a doctor – after checking her vitals – had given her a single tablet of medication.

But after Australian officials saw her, they noted she was feeling weak, confused, and lethargic, and worried she was at risk of a health crisis.

Her request to see a doctor again had gone unanswered.

International and Relative Responses

A representative for Global Movement to Gaza Australia expressed fear that her friend was at risk of dying without necessary drugs.

The mother of another Aussie detainee, Bianca Webb-Pullman, said she had obtained a call from Australian officials giving a summary of their visit to the facility.

She reported that her child had been exposed to mistreatment, humiliation, threats, and was man-handled and shoved.

She was also placed in a open area in the heat for several hours with no protection, sustenance.

She further described a faucet with unclean liquid, meaning she had consumed minimal fluids in days.

Official Responses

Dfat replied to inquiries with a statement that said the authorities had “made clear to Israel our expectation that detainees will receive humane treatment in line with international norms”.

“We again urge Israel to allow continuous, unrestricted humanitarian aid to reach Gaza,” the statement continued.

Media outlets contacted Israel’s prison service, the military, the Israeli ministry for foreign affairs, and the Israeli embassy in Australia, but none responded to a request for comment.