🔗 Share this article Aussie Aid Convoy Activists Detained by Israel Allege of ‘Humiliating’ Conditions Australian activists held in Israeli custody have reported enduring what they call “demeaning and insulting conditions” after their detainment aboard a humanitarian convoy transporting aid to Gaza. One detainee, McEwen, stated he was slapped and suffered a shoulder injury and had his head slammed into the ground. Medical Worries and Detention Conditions A second participant, Lamont, voiced grave concern about her well-being, saying she was at risk of a medical emergency after her prescription drugs were confiscated by Israeli security forces. She described the prison environment as “oppressive” and noted that her appeal for additional drugs had not been fulfilled. McEwen and Lamont are among seven Australians verified by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to have been taken into custody in Israel. Authorities stated they are providing support to the individuals, including through direct meetings. Claims of Unsafe Conditions They are being detained in a maximum-security facility in the desert region and assert that they and other detainees were offered water that was contaminated due to a foul odor. McEwen informed consular staff that he had been kept in a cage with dozens of individuals without sustenance, while being exposed to verbal attacks from authorities. Lamont stated that upon reaching Ketziot prison, she was taken to a room with other women and insulted by guards, who labeled them “militants”. Interception and Treatment Information McEwen, aged 40, and the documentary film-maker, 54 years old, were arrested on Thursday when their vessels were stopped by the naval forces. They were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla involving 42 vessels and hundreds of participants, including lawmakers, legal experts, and activists. Dfat officials met with the Aussie detainees on the following day. According to a report reviewed by media outlets, McEwen detailed “abusive and insulting behavior” after being transferred to the port of Ashdod. He explained that his morale was low due to sleep deprivation techniques and threatening conduct from Israeli prison guards. Relatives Worries and Health Problems His mother, Jacinta, a former nurse, expressed she had been contacting authorities for daily updates and was concerned about the “intense” conditions her son was facing. “I am concerned about his dislocated shoulder, head injury, and lack of medical attention,” she stated. She thought her son’s deportation was being hindered because he refused to sign a form admitting he had breached immigration laws. The convoy argues it was wrongfully stopped by the Israeli navy in international waters. He also told officials that Israeli soldiers had destroyed pages of his passport because it was microchipped. Both activists threw their mobile devices into the sea before their capture. Differences in Detainment Accounts While McEwen stated his detainment on board the vessel was carried out with minimal force, she – sailing on a separate boat – recounted a “humiliating” ordeal. Lamont alleged 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 tied and clothes drenched for seven hours. During this time, she reported her head was forcibly pushed by Israeli forces. Detention Conditions and Medical Impact Both are being held in Ketziot prison, which is primarily used to hold Palestinian prisoners, many of whom authorities accuses of involvement in militant or terrorist activities. After Australian officials visited Lamont, they noted she was “deeply upset”, weeping repeatedly during the visit. The parent was reported as feeling thirsty, feeble, dizzy, and disoriented. Lamont said a guard had informed her that water from taps was contaminated, and she believed her lack of fluids was worsening her hypertension. On the day of her detainment, after her daily medication was confiscated, Lamont explained a physician – after measuring her blood pressure – had given her one dose of drugs. But after Australian officials visited her, they reported she was feeling weak, disoriented, and tired, and concerned she was at risk of a health crisis. Her appeal to consult a physician had gone unanswered. International and Relative Reactions A spokesperson for Global Movement to Gaza Australia expressed fear that her acquaintance was at danger of dying without access to medication. The mother of another Aussie detainee, Bianca Webb-Pullman, stated she had obtained a call from Australian officials giving a verbal account of their inspection to the facility. She reported that her child had been exposed to mistreatment, degradation, intimidation, 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 consumed minimal fluids in days. Official Statements Dfat replied to questions 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 repeat our call on Israel to enable the sustained, unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza,” the announcement added. Media outlets reached out to detention authorities, the Israel Defense Forces, the Israeli ministry for foreign affairs, and the diplomatic mission, but none responded to a request for comment.