Australian Activists Detained in Gaza Report Abuse, Deprivation
Ketziot Prison, Israel – Australian citizens detained by Israeli authorities following their participation in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla have alleged instances of degrading and humiliating treatment, including physical abuse, prolonged exposure, and restricted access to water. Reports emerged Saturday detailing conditions inside Ketziot prison, raising concerns about the welfare of the detainees and prompting calls for humane treatment from the Australian government.
The allegations centre on claims of verbal and physical mistreatment, including being manhandled, shoved, and left for extended periods without basic necessities. The detentions occur amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza and heightened scrutiny of Israel’s treatment of detainees, particularly foreign nationals. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has stated it expects detainees to receive humane treatment in line with international norms, while simultaneously reiterating its call for increased humanitarian aid access to Gaza.
Talitha Mitchell, a spokesperson for the Global Movement to Gaza Australia, expressed fears for the health of a detained friend lacking access to necessary medication. Julie Webb-Pullman, mother of Melbourne-based GP Bianca Webb-Pullman, reported receiving a verbal account from Australian officials regarding her daughter’s experience at Ketziot prison. Webb-Pullman alleges her daughter was subjected to abuse, intimidation, and left in the sun for five hours without food, water, or shade. She further described the availability of only contaminated water, leading to days of minimal hydration.
DFAT responded to inquiries with a statement affirming the government’s expectation of humane treatment for detainees, consistent with international standards, and renewed its appeal for unimpeded humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Requests for comment from Israel’s prison service, the Israel Defense Forces, the Israel’s ministry for foreign affairs, and the Israeli embassy in Australia have gone unanswered.
