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Aussie campaigners held in Israel have described experiencing what they call “demeaning and insulting conditions” following their detainment aboard a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza.

An activist, Surya McEwen, stated he was slapped and experienced a dislocated arm and had his head forced into the ground.

Medical Concerns and Detention Environment

A second activist, Juliet Lamont, expressed grave fear about her well-being, saying she was at danger of a medical emergency after her prescription drugs were seized by Israeli security forces.

She portrayed the prison environment as “dystopian” and added that her appeal for additional drugs had not been fulfilled.

McEwen and Lamont are among seven Australians confirmed by Australian officials to have been detained in Israel.

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

Allegations of Unsafe Facilities

They are being detained in a high-security prison in the desert region and allege that they and other detainees were offered water that was undrinkable due to a strong chemical taste.

He told Australian officials that he had been held in a cage with 80 other people without sustenance, while being subjected to abuse from Israeli officials.

She stated that upon arriving the detention center, she was escorted to a room with other women and insulted by guards, who called them “terrorists”.

Arrest and Treatment Information

McEwen, aged 40, and the documentary film-maker, 54 years old, were arrested on last week when their vessels were stopped by the naval forces.

They were part of the international aid mission comprising dozens of boats and more than 450 people, including lawmakers, legal experts, and campaigners.

Dfat officials visited the Aussie detainees on Friday.

Based on a account reviewed by media outlets, he described “degrading and humiliating treatment” after being transferred to the port of Ashdod.

He explained that his spirits was low due to sleep deprivation techniques and threatening conduct from Israeli prison guards.

Relatives Concerns and Health Problems

His mother, Jacinta, a healthcare professional, said she had been contacting authorities for regular information and was concerned about the “intense” situation her son was facing.

“I am concerned about his dislocated shoulder, head injury, and lack of medical attention,” she remarked.

She believed her son’s deportation was being delayed because he declined to sign a form admitting he had breached immigration laws.

The convoy argues it was illegally intercepted by the naval forces in open sea.

McEwen also informed representatives that authorities had torn up pages of his travel document because it was microchipped.

Both individuals discarded their mobile devices into the sea before their arrest.

Differences in Detainment Experiences

While McEwen said his detainment on board the Mia Mia was executed with minimal force, Lamont – sailing on a different ship – described a “demeaning” ordeal.

She alleged her hands were zip-tied behind her back, she was targeted with a water cannon, and was left to sit in an unventilated area with her hands tied and clothes drenched for seven hours.

During this time, she said her head was forcibly pushed by officials.

Prison Environment and Health Impact

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 met with Lamont, they noted she was “emotionally distressed”, weeping repeatedly during the visit.

The mother of two was described as feeling dehydrated, weak, lightheaded, and disoriented.

She mentioned a official had informed her that tap water was contaminated, and she believed her lack of fluids was exacerbating her high blood pressure.

On the day of her detainment, after her daily medication was confiscated, Lamont explained a doctor – after checking her blood pressure – had given her one dose of medication.

But after representatives saw her, they noted she was feeling lethargic, disoriented, and tired, and concerned she was at risk of stroke.

Her appeal to consult a physician had received no response.

International and Family Responses

A representative for the activist group voiced concern that her friend was at danger of dying without necessary drugs.

The mother of another detained Australian, Bianca Webb-Pullman, stated she had received a call from authorities giving a summary of their inspection to the facility.

Webb-Pullman reported that her daughter had been exposed to mistreatment, degradation, threats, and was physically handled and pushed.

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

She added a faucet with contaminated water, meaning she had drunk no or little water in days.

Official Statements

Dfat responded to inquiries with a message that said 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.

Sources reached out to Israel’s prison service, the Israel Defense Forces, the Israeli ministry for foreign affairs, and the Israeli embassy in Australia, but no one responded to a request for comment.