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Australian activists held in Israel have described enduring what they call “degrading and humiliating treatment” after their detainment aboard a humanitarian convoy transporting aid to Gaza.

One detainee, McEwen, claimed he was struck and suffered a dislocated arm and had his head slammed into the ground.

Health Worries and Detention Conditions

Another activist, Lamont, voiced grave fear about her well-being, saying she was at risk of a medical emergency after her prescription drugs were seized by Israeli security forces.

She portrayed the detention facility as “oppressive” and added that her request for additional drugs had not been fulfilled.

The two activists are among seven Australians verified by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to have been taken into custody in Israel.

Officials stated they are providing support to the detainees, including through direct meetings.

Allegations of Poor Facilities

They are being held in a maximum-security facility in the desert region and allege that they and fellow inmates were offered water that was contaminated due to a foul odor.

He informed Australian officials that he had been kept in a enclosure with dozens of individuals without sustenance, while being subjected to abuse from authorities.

Lamont reported that upon reaching Ketziot prison, she was escorted to a room with female detainees and berated by officials, who called them “terrorists”.

Interception and Handling Details

The care worker, in his forties, and the documentary film-maker, 54 years old, were arrested on Thursday when their vessels were intercepted by the naval forces.

They were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla comprising 42 vessels and hundreds of participants, including parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists.

Dfat officials met with the detained Australians on Friday.

According to a account reviewed by sources, McEwen detailed “degrading and humiliating treatment” after being transferred to the port of Ashdod.

He explained that his morale was low due to restriction of rest and physical intimidation from detention staff.

Family Concerns and Health Problems

McEwen’s parent, Jacinta, a healthcare professional, said she had been contacting Dfat for regular information and was worried about the “full-on” 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 deportation was being hindered because he declined to sign a form acknowledging he had entered Israel illegally.

The flotilla maintains it was illegally intercepted by the Israeli navy in open sea.

McEwen also told representatives that authorities had destroyed pages of his passport because it was electronically embedded.

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

Variations in Detainment Accounts

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

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 soaked for seven hours.

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

Prison Environment and Health Effects

Both are being held in the facility, which is primarily used to detain inmates, many of whom Israel accuses of involvement in militant or terrorist activities.

After consular staff visited her, they observed she was “deeply upset”, weeping repeatedly during the visit.

The mother of two was reported as feeling dehydrated, weak, lightheaded, and confused.

Lamont mentioned a guard 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 arrest, after her prescription was confiscated, she stated a physician – after checking her vitals – had provided her a single tablet of medication.

But after Australian officials visited her, they noted she was feeling weak, confused, and tired, and concerned she was at risk of stroke.

Her appeal to see a doctor again had gone unanswered.

International and Family Reactions

A spokesperson for the activist group voiced concern that her acquaintance was at risk of dying without necessary drugs.

The mother of another Aussie detainee, Bianca Webb-Pullman, said she had obtained a call from authorities giving a verbal account of their visit to the facility.

Webb-Pullman reported that her child had been subjected to mistreatment, degradation, threats, and was man-handled and shoved.

She was also left in a open area in the heat for several hours with no protection, sustenance.

She added a tap with contaminated water, meaning she had consumed minimal fluids in an extended period.

Government Responses

Dfat replied to questions with a message that said the authorities had “made clear to Israel our expectation that detainees will receive humane treatment in line with international norms”.

“We again urge Israel to allow continuous, unrestricted humanitarian aid to reach Gaza,” the statement continued.

Sources reached out to detention authorities, the military, the Israeli ministry for foreign affairs, and the diplomatic mission, but no one responded to a query.