Families of activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla have reported poor detention conditions in Israel, including lack of clean water and legal representation. The flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters last week, leading to the arrest of 437 activists, parliamentarians, and lawyers.
Three New Zealanders – Rana Hamida, Youssef Sammour, and Samuel Leason – are being held at Ktzi’ot Prison in the Negev desert. Samuel Leason's father expressed concern, stating his son is held in a crowded cell without water or legal counsel. Rana Hamida sustained a shoulder injury, but details remain unclear.
Environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg, also arrested, reported harsh treatment including a bedbug-infested cell, insufficient food and water, and being forced to hold flags for photographs. Thunberg is among over 70 people of different nationalities expected to leave Israel on Monday, including French, Greek, Italian, and Swedish citizens.
Adalah, a legal centre representing the activists, has alleged abuse, physical violence, denial of medical treatment, and in one case, a Muslim woman forced to remove her hijab. Israel's foreign ministry denied these accusations, stating that all legal rights were upheld and no force was used.
New Zealand's Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick called on the government to sanction Israel, while Prime Minister Christopher Luxon declined to condemn the interception, citing arguments on both sides. The New Zealand government said it is providing consular support.
