Australian Activists Detail Alleged Mistreatment in Israeli Detention Following Gaza Flotilla Interception
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The Australian government is facing increasing pressure too investigate claims of serious mistreatment of its citizens detained by Israeli authorities after attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza. Reports obtained by the ABC detail allegations of physical abuse, degrading conditions, and psychological intimidation experienced by members of the Global Sumud Flotilla crew, including prominent activist Greta Thunberg, who was among 171 individuals deported on Monday.
The allegations, documented in summaries of reports prepared by Australian diplomatic staff, paint a disturbing picture of the treatment of detainees at Ashdod port and the high-security Ketziot prison in the Negev Desert. Australian officials met with detained citizens to document thier experiences following the interception of the vessels in the Mediterranean.
Reports Detail Physical Abuse and Degradation
According to the reports, one detainee, whose passport had been deliberately damaged, with Israeli soldiers allegedly tearing pages from it while on board the vessel, claiming it was “microchipped.”
Another report, believed to pertain to Juliet Lamont, outlines allegations of harsh treatment involving the use of force. Lamont reportedly told officials she was “sprayed with a water cannon, and left to sit in an unventilated area with her hands tied and clothes soaked for 7 hours.” During this period, she claimed Israeli Security Forces (ISF) repeatedly “shoved” her head down. Lamont also expressed fears for her health, stating a guard warned her against drinking the facility’s water and that clean water was unavailable. She reported feeling “dehydrated, weak, dizzy, and confused” due to an underlying blood pressure condition.
Lamont described the prison habitat as “dystopian,” stating she was refusing food out of fear of poisoning and that her medication had been confiscated. A follow-up visit on Sunday indicated her health had improved and she had received her blood pressure medication.
Disturbing Allegations of Humiliating Treatment
The reports also detail further instances of alleged mistreatment. One australian detainee claimed thay were forced to remove their clothing, undo their hair, and “dance like a monkey” in front of prison guards. Another reported that the water in their cell was “rancid” and that toilet paper was unavailable.
Minister Ben-Gvir’s Visit and alleged Propaganda
Video footage emerged over the weekend showing israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visiting both Ashdod Port and Ketziot prison.Ben-Gvir, who has a history of extremist views and has been sanctioned for inciting violence, branded the activists as “terrorists” and “supporters of the killers.”
The DFAT reports also allege that Israeli officials subjected detainees to a disturbing form of psychological manipulation. According to the reports,televisions were brought into Ketziot prison and videos of Hamas’ October 7,2023 attacks against Israel were played “on repeat on loud volume.” This tactic reportedly mirrors similar incidents during the interception of a previous flotilla earlier this year.
One detainee, speaking to diplomats, reportedly expressed defiance, stating, “we are close to Gaza, we can hear the fighter jets flying over… We are strong and we aren’t scared of these bastards.”
Australian Government Response and Israeli Denial
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and trade (DFAT) stated on Monday that it has “made clear to Israel our expectation that detainees will receive humane treatment in line with international norms.”
Though, the Israeli Foreign Ministry vehemently rejected the allegations, dismissing them as “complete lies.” The ministry asserted that all detainees were provided with “access to water, food, and medical care” and that their “legal rights, including access to medical care, were fully upheld.” They also stated that detainees had access to bathroom facilities within their cells.
The situation remains tense as the Australian government continues to seek further facts and assurances regarding the welfare of its citizens. The allegations raise serious questions about the treatment of detainees and the conduct of Israeli authorities.
