Protesters from Humanitarian Convoy Report Poor Circumstances in Israeli Custody
Families of arrested activists from the Pacific nation have expressed concern about harsh treatment in confinement facilities, involving limited availability to water and legal counsel.
Aid Convoy Activists Encounter Removal
Approximately seventy crew members from various nationalities are prepared to be removed from the country, including 28 French citizens, twenty-seven Greek nationals, 15 Italian nationals, and 9 Swedish citizens.
Loved One Accounts of Harsh Circumstances
The father of one detainee voiced serious worry about his son's condition, stating: "I'm deeply concerned about him, as he remains in a cell right now, in a cage crowded with numerous individuals... he has been lacking water and legal counsel."
Injuries and Management
The sister of another detainee reported that her loved one had suffered an injury to her shoulder, though the loved ones remained unsure about the circumstances of how it happened.
"I'm just going to ask the officials to respond and bring our loved ones home secure and in healthy condition," the family member commented.
Government Statements
New Zealand's ministry of foreign affairs issued a official comment indicating that a diplomatic representative in Israel had consulted the nationals and that additional assistance would be provided in the coming days.
At the same time, Israeli diplomatic authorities has rejected allegations that some participants were refused entry their legal representatives and asserted that the legal rights of the activists were being "completely protected."
More Claims of Poor Treatment
Human rights organizations working with the detained participants have reported that some of those in detention have faced poor treatment and physical violence while in confinement centers.
- Lack of access medical care and necessary medicines
- In one case, a Muslim woman was compelled to remove her head covering
- Limited access to fundamental requirements
Government Positions
A prominent member of New Zealand's Green Party, the politician, told a press conference that the held nationals were trying to build a world "where our humanity actually has value."
At the same time, the diplomat the minister criticized critics of "false indignation" and implied that participants of the humanitarian mission were "looking for publicity" and had been warned not to engage with the expedition.
Prime Minister the political leader told reporters that representatives had conveyed "emphatically to the Israeli government" that the security of citzens was essential.
Yet, the leader refused to criticize Israel's interception of the flotilla because there were "perspectives on multiple sides."
