🔗 Share this article Australian Gaza Flotilla Activists Arrested by Israel Allege of ‘Degrading’ Conditions Aussie campaigners held in Israel have described experiencing what they call “demeaning and insulting conditions” following their arrest aboard a humanitarian convoy transporting aid to Gaza. An activist, McEwen, claimed he was struck and suffered a shoulder injury and had his head slammed into the ground. Health Concerns and Prison Environment A second participant, Juliet Lamont, expressed serious fear about her well-being, stating she was at risk of stroke after her daily medication were seized by authorities. She portrayed the prison environment as “oppressive” and noted that her request for more medication had not been met. McEwen and Lamont are among seven Australians verified by Australian officials to have been detained in Israel. Authorities mentioned they are offering support to the individuals, including through in-person visits. Allegations of Unsafe Facilities The activists are being held in a maximum-security facility in the desert region and assert that they and other detainees were offered water that was undrinkable due to a strong chemical taste. He informed consular staff that he had been kept in a cage with dozens of individuals without food or water, while being subjected to verbal attacks from Israeli officials. Lamont reported that upon arriving the detention center, she was escorted to a room with other women and insulted by officials, who called them “militants”. Interception and Treatment Details McEwen, aged 40, and Lamont, 54 years old, were arrested on Thursday when their vessels were stopped by the naval forces. They were part of the international aid mission comprising 42 vessels and more than 450 people, including lawmakers, lawyers, and activists. Dfat officials met with the detained Australians on Friday. Based on a report reviewed by sources, McEwen described “abusive and insulting behavior” after being transferred to the port of Ashdod. He stated that his morale was poor due to sleep deprivation techniques and physical intimidation from Israeli prison guards. Family Concerns and Medical Issues McEwen’s parent, Jacinta, a former nurse, said she had been contacting authorities for regular information and was worried about the “full-on” situation her son was experiencing. “If he’s got a dislocated shoulder and he’s had a head injury and he hasn’t received any medical aid, I’m worried about that,” she remarked. McEwen believed her son’s deportation was being hindered because he refused to sign a document acknowledging he had breached immigration laws. The flotilla maintains it was illegally intercepted by the naval forces in international waters. He also informed officials that Israeli soldiers had torn up pages of his passport because it was microchipped. Both activists threw their mobile devices into the sea before their capture. Variations in Arrest Experiences Although McEwen stated his detainment on board the Mia Mia was carried out with little violence, she – travelling on a different ship – recounted a “humiliating” experience. She claimed her hands were zip-tied behind her back, she was targeted with a water cannon, and was made to sit in an unventilated area with her hands restrained and clothes soaked for seven hours. During this time, she reported her head was repeatedly shoved down by Israeli forces. Detention Conditions and Health Effects Both are being held in Ketziot prison, which is mainly utilized to detain inmates, many of whom authorities alleges of engaging in unlawful acts. After Australian officials visited her, they noted she was “emotionally distressed”, weeping repeatedly during the visit. The mother of two was described as feeling thirsty, feeble, lightheaded, and confused. Lamont said a official had informed her that tap water was unsafe to drink, and she feared her lack of fluids was worsening her high blood pressure. On the day of her detainment, after her daily medication was taken, Lamont stated a doctor – after checking her vitals – had provided her one dose of medication. But after Australian officials saw her, they noted she was feeling weak, disoriented, and lethargic, and worried she was at danger of stroke. Her appeal to consult a physician had received no response. Global and Family Reactions A spokesperson for Global Movement to Gaza Australia expressed concern that her friend was at risk of succumbing without necessary drugs. The mother of another Aussie detainee, Bianca Webb-Pullman, stated she had obtained a update from authorities giving a summary of their inspection to the facility. Webb-Pullman reported that her daughter had been subjected to abuse, degradation, threats, and was physically handled and shoved. She was also placed in a courtyard in the sun for five hours with no protection, food or water. She further described a faucet with contaminated water, meaning she had drunk no or little water in an extended period. Official Responses Australian authorities replied to questions with a statement that said the authorities had “expressed to Israeli officials the need for detainees to be treated humanely according to global standards”. “We repeat our call on Israel to enable the sustained, unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza,” the announcement continued. Media outlets contacted Israel’s prison service, the Israel Defense Forces, the Israeli ministry for foreign affairs, and the diplomatic mission, but none replied to a request for comment.