Australian flotilla activist condemns government over ‘shameful’ role in Israel extraction operation

Australians were detained at what has been called an “outrageous” prison.

Australian Activist Bianca Webb-Pullman Freed from Israeli Detention; Families Criticize Government Response

When Julie Webb-Pullman finally made contact with her imprisoned, phone-less daughter, activist and doctor Bianca Webb-Pullman, at around 10pm on Tuesday, she said she felt “so relieved.”

Bianca was one of seven Australian activists detained in Israel’s Ketziot prison. The group had participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla, an effort to deliver aid to Gaza through Israel’s naval blockade.

Israel intercepted hundreds of flotilla members last week, detaining them in the prison. The Global Movement to Gaza, one of the organisers, confirmed on Tuesday night that all seven Australians had arrived safely in Amman, Jordan, by bus at 2pm local time. Bianca is expected to return to Australia on Friday morning.

“I still can’t quite get my head around that they’re actually out and on their way back home,” Julie told SBS News. However, since their release, Julie and other families have criticized the Australian government for a delayed and poor response after the activists’ arrest and detention.

Allegations of Mistreatment and Torture

Concerns have been raised following claims by detained activist Surya McEwen that his arm was dislocated due to rough treatment by Israeli authorities. Others also reported experiencing violence and mistreatment while in detention, allegations Israel has denied.

One of the detained Australians, Juliet Lamont, told ABC News Breakfast that the Australian group was the last nationality released from Ketziot Prison. “We thought we were going to be there for months,” Lamont said.

Lamont described the Australian government’s support as “shameful,” noting that they lacked access to medication and food during their detention. She said they received better support from other countries’ governments, particularly Italy, which actively assisted amid domestic protests following the flotilla arrests.

Family Criticism of Government Communication

Julie Webb-Pullman acknowledged that Australian consular officials in Jordan supported her daughter, arranging hospital check-ups and providing assistance. Officials from the embassy in Israel also visited the detainees and were helpful.

However, she said communication between the Australian government and her was “appalling.” She added:

“It has been very unprofessional and very bad, and I hope no other family has to go through the nonsense that our family was subjected to. It was really quite disgusting.”

Julie also claimed the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) withheld updates about her daughter’s condition, even though other detainees’ families received such reports.

When she attempted to contact DFAT’s emergency line, she said she waited five minutes without response. Although the consulate provided the Australians with a phone, Bianca had no contacts because her possessions were confiscated.

Calls for Government Action

Jacinta McEwen, mother of activist Surya McEwen, expressed anger over the government’s response:

“Our prime minister and foreign minister said nothing, did nothing publicly, and never once contacted us while our children were being tortured. The silence is a betrayal. Australia must impose sanctions on Israel immediately.”

A DFAT spokesperson stated that officials worked hard to support the Australians, conducting in-person visits, advocating with Israeli authorities, and continuing consular assistance.

NSW Greens MP Demands Investigation

On Tuesday, NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson called for a full investigation into alleged torture and mistreatment. She highlighted that the Australians had been held in the same cells used to detain Palestinian hostages.

“Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong must ensure all allegations of mistreatment are fully investigated,” she said.

SBS News reached out to Israel’s foreign ministry for comment. Over the weekend, the ministry denied allegations of mistreatment, stating that detainees’ legal rights were upheld.

Julie Webb-Pullman said she was unsurprised by the denial, citing reports from international human rights organizations accusing Israel of committing genocide.

The United Nations commission of inquiry and the International Association of Genocide Scholars have similarly accused Israel of conducting a genocide during its ongoing military offensive in Gaza. Israel has categorically rejected these allegations.