🔗 Share this article

Aussie campaigners held in Israeli custody have described experiencing what they call “demeaning and insulting conditions” following their detainment onboard a humanitarian convoy transporting aid to Gaza.

One detainee, Surya McEwen, claimed he was slapped and experienced a shoulder injury and had his head slammed into the ground.

Health Worries and Detention Environment

Another activist, Juliet Lamont, voiced serious concern about her health, stating she was at risk of stroke after her daily medication were seized by Israeli security forces.

She portrayed the prison environment as “dystopian” and noted that her request for more medication had not been met.

The two activists are among a group of Aussies confirmed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to have been detained in Israel.

Officials stated they are offering support to the detainees, including through in-person visits.

Claims of Poor Facilities

The activists are being detained in a maximum-security facility in the desert region and allege that they and other detainees were given 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 sustenance, while being subjected to verbal attacks from Israeli officials.

Lamont stated that upon arriving Ketziot prison, she was escorted to a room with other women and insulted by guards, who called them “militants”.

Arrest and Treatment Information

The care worker, aged 40, and the documentary film-maker, 54 years old, were detained on last week 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 parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists.

Australian representatives met with the Aussie detainees on the following day.

According to a report seen by media outlets, he described “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 Israeli prison guards.

Family Worries and Health Problems

His mother, Jacinta, a former nurse, expressed she had been calling Dfat for daily updates and was concerned about the “intense” conditions 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 stated.

McEwen believed her son’s return was being delayed because he refused to sign a document admitting he had breached immigration laws.

The convoy maintains it was wrongfully stopped by the Israeli navy in international waters.

McEwen also told officials that Israeli soldiers had destroyed pages of his passport because it was microchipped.

Both activists threw their phones into the sea before their capture.

Differences in Detainment Experiences

While McEwen said his detainment on board the vessel was carried out with minimal force, she – sailing on a different ship – recounted a “humiliating” experience.

She claimed her hands were bound behind her back, she was sprayed with a high-pressure hose, and was left to sit in an stifling space with her hands tied and clothes soaked for an extended period.

During this time, she said her head was repeatedly shoved down by Israeli forces.

Detention Environment and Health Effects

Both are being held in Ketziot prison, which is primarily used to hold inmates, many of whom authorities alleges of involvement in militant or terrorist activities.

After consular staff met with her, they noted she was “deeply upset”, crying multiple times during the meeting.

The parent was reported as feeling thirsty, feeble, dizzy, and disoriented.

She said a official had warned her that tap water was unsafe to drink, and she feared her lack of fluids was exacerbating her hypertension.

On the day of her detainment, after her prescription was taken, Lamont explained a physician – after checking her vitals – had provided her a single tablet of drugs.

But after Australian officials visited her, they noted she was feeling lethargic, disoriented, and lethargic, and worried she was at risk of stroke.

Her appeal to consult a physician had received no response.

International and Relative Responses

A representative for Global Movement to Gaza Australia voiced concern that her acquaintance was at danger of succumbing without necessary drugs.

Julie Webb-Pullman of another Aussie detainee, Bianca Webb-Pullman, said she had received a update from authorities giving a summary of their inspection to the facility.

She described that her daughter had been subjected to mistreatment, degradation, threats, and was physically handled and shoved.

She was also left in a courtyard in the sun for several hours with no shade, food or water.

She further described a tap with contaminated water, meaning she had consumed minimal fluids in days.

Government Statements

Australian authorities responded to inquiries with a statement that declared the Australian government 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 continued.

Media outlets reached out to Israel’s prison service, the military, the Israeli ministry for foreign affairs, and the diplomatic mission, but none replied to a query.