Israel has deported Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and 170 pro-Palestinian activists who were detained after the capture of a huge aid flotilla on route to Gaza. However, there are still many activists being held, including Australians.
Since 2 October, multiple Australians, among around other 450 activists, were taken into custody by the Israeli navy about 70 kilometers from Gaza.
Even though Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson announced that “all detainees’ legal rights are fully upheld”, Australian Gaza flotilla activists still reported to diplomatic officials of rough treatment from Israeli authorities.
Surya McEwen, claimed in a report, to have been held in a cage with 80 others, without food and water, as the Israeli national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, verbally abused them. McEwen’s head was brutally slammed and his arm was dislocated after being detained.
He also said his passport was likely destroyed after Israeli soldiers tore out its pages in front of him, claiming they believed “the passport was microchipped”.
Another Australian activist, Juliet Lamont, described her situation as being trapped in a “dystopian” prison environment. Israeli security forces took away her daily medication and denied her request for it back, increasing her risk of stroke.
Lamont said she was zip-tied, sprayed with a water cannon, and left soaked for several hours as Israeli forces slammed her head on the ground repeatedly.
Both activists are being held in Ketziot prison, which mainly houses Palestinians accused of militant activity.
A spokesperson for Foreign Minister Penny Wong told the SBS News that the government understands this is a “distressing time”, and is doing everything possible to support the Australians detained by Israel, including in-person visits.
“We have made clear to Israel our expectation that detainees will receive humane treatment in line with international norms,” she said.
Israel Foreign Ministry has rejected the allegations presented by Australians and other activists in their custody, claiming that “they never occurred”.
“The claims of the mistreatment of Australians who were on board are complete lies,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry told the ABC.
Photo: The Israeli detention center of Ktzi’ot by Yosi I found HERE and used under a Creative Commons license. This image has not been modified.
