Australian Activists Detained in Israel Report “Degrading and Humiliating” Treatment
The Australian government is facing increasing pressure to secure the release and ensure the humane treatment of seven citizens detained in Israel following their participation in a pro-Palestinian flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. Detainees have alleged instances of physical abuse,medical neglect,and psychological intimidation,raising serious concerns about their well-being.
Flotilla Interception and Initial Release
The Global Sumud flotilla on Thursday, comprised of 42 vessels, aimed to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. While Israel deported 171 of the detained activists on Monday, comprised of citizens from numerous European nations, the United States, and Serbia, the Australian detainees were not among those released.
Allegations of Abuse and Neglect
detailed accounts of alleged mistreatment have begun to emerge through reports to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (dfat). Surya McEwen, a 40-year-old care worker from New South Wales, told Australian officials he was slapped, suffered a dislocated arm, and had his head slammed into the ground.He further described being held in a cage with approximately 80 other individuals without access to food or water, while allegedly being verbally abused by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Juliet Lamont, a 54-year-old documentary filmmaker also from New South Wales, expressed “grave” concern for her health after Israeli security forces confiscated her daily medication. She reported that her requests for replenishment have been ignored, and she is being held in a prison environment she characterized as “dystopian.” lamont also claimed she was subjected to a “humiliating” arrest, including being zip-tied, sprayed with a water cannon, and left for seven hours in an unventilated space with soaked clothing, during which Israeli forces repeatedly forced her head down.
conditions in ketziot Prison
Both McEwen and lamont are currently being held in Ketziot prison, a high-security facility in the Negev desert primarily used to detain Palestinian prisoners accused of involvement in militant activities. Detainees have alleged that the water provided was undrinkable due to a strong chemical taste. A spokesperson for Global movement to Gaza Australia,talitha Mitchell,voiced fears that her friend,Lamont,is at risk of dying without access to necessary medication.
Dfat response and family Concerns
Dfat confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the seven Australian detainees, including in-person visits. Following a Friday visit, officials documented McEwen’s account of “degrading and humiliating treatment,” including reports of sleep deprivation and physical intimidation. His mother, Jacinta McEwen, a former nurse, expressed deep concern over her son’s reported injuries and lack of medical attention.
Julie webb-pullman, mother of another detained Australian, Melbourne-based GP Bianca Webb-Pullman, reported similar accounts of abuse and neglect following a Saturday call with Australian officials. Webb-Pullman stated her daughter reported being subjected to abuse, humiliation, intimidation, and physical handling, as well as being left in the sun for five hours without food, water, or shade. She also described contaminated water sources.
Deportation Stalled by Protest?
Jacinta McEwen believes her son’s deportation is being delayed by his refusal to sign a form acknowledging illegal entry into Israel – a claim the flotilla disputes, maintaining they were intercepted in international waters. She also reported that Israeli soldiers tore pages from his passport, citing the presence of a microchip.Both McEwen and Lamont reportedly discarded their phones into the sea prior to their capture.
Government Statement and lack of Response
The Australian government has stated it has “made clear to Israel our expectation that detainees will receive humane treatment in line with international norms” and reiterated its call for the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, requests for comment from Israel’s prison service, the Israel defense Forces, the Israel’s ministry for foreign affairs, and the Israeli embassy in Australia have gone unanswered.
