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Australian activists held in Israeli custody have reported experiencing what they call “degrading and humiliating treatment” following their arrest onboard a humanitarian convoy transporting aid to Gaza.

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

Medical Worries and Prison Environment

Another activist, Juliet Lamont, expressed serious fear about her well-being, stating she was at danger of a medical emergency after her daily medication were confiscated by Israeli security forces.

She described the prison environment as “oppressive” and noted that her appeal for additional drugs had not been met.

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

Authorities mentioned they are providing support to the detainees, including through in-person visits.

Claims of Unsafe 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 undrinkable due to a strong chemical taste.

McEwen informed consular staff that he had been kept in a cage with dozens of individuals without food or water, while being exposed to verbal attacks from authorities.

Lamont reported that upon reaching the detention center, she was taken to a room with female detainees and insulted by guards, who called them “terrorists”.

Interception and Treatment Information

The care worker, aged 40, and the documentary film-maker, 54 years old, were detained on last week when their Gaza-bound ships were intercepted by the naval forces.

They were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla involving dozens of boats and more than 450 people, including lawmakers, legal experts, and activists.

Australian representatives met with the detained Australians on Friday.

According to a account reviewed by sources, McEwen detailed “abusive and insulting behavior” after being taken to the port of Ashdod.

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

Relatives Worries and Medical Problems

McEwen’s parent, Jacinta, a healthcare professional, expressed she had been contacting Dfat for regular information and was concerned about the “intense” situation her son was facing.

“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 remarked.

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

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

He also told officials that Israeli soldiers had torn up pages of his passport because it was electronically embedded.

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

Differences in Arrest Experiences

While he stated his arrest on board the vessel was executed with little violence, she – travelling on a separate boat – recounted a “demeaning” ordeal.

She claimed her hands were bound behind her back, she was targeted with a water cannon, and was made to sit in an stifling space with her hands tied and clothes drenched for an extended period.

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

Detention Conditions and Medical Impact

Both are being held in the facility, which is primarily used to hold Palestinian prisoners, many of whom Israel alleges of engaging in unlawful acts.

After Australian officials met with Lamont, they observed she was “emotionally distressed”, crying multiple times during the visit.

The mother of two was reported as feeling thirsty, feeble, dizzy, and disoriented.

She said a guard had warned her that water from taps 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 taken, she stated a physician – after measuring her vitals – had given her a single tablet of medication.

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

Her request to consult a physician had gone unanswered.

Global and Family Responses

A spokesperson for Global Movement to Gaza Australia expressed concern that her acquaintance was at danger of dying without access to medication.

Julie Webb-Pullman of another detained Australian, her daughter, said she had received a update from Australian officials giving a verbal account of their visit to Ketziot prison.

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

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

She added a tap with unclean liquid, meaning she had consumed minimal fluids in days.

Government Responses

Dfat responded to inquiries with a statement that said the Australian government 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 announcement added.

Media outlets reached out to detention authorities, the military, the Israeli ministry for foreign affairs, and the Israeli embassy in Australia, but no one responded to a query.