🔗 Share this article

Loved ones of held campaigners from the Pacific nation have expressed concern about difficult circumstances in confinement facilities, involving lack of access to water and attorney access.

Humanitarian Mission Activists Face Expulsion

More than seventy participants from various countries are expected to be expelled from the country, among them twenty-eight French citizens, 27 Greek nationals, fifteen Italian citizens, and nine Swedish citizens.

Relative Reports of Poor Situations

Samuel's father expressed deep concern about his son's circumstances, reporting: "I'm very worried about Samuel, as he is held in a cell currently, in a confined space packed with other detainees... he has been lacking water and attorney access."

Health Concerns and Management

The sister of another detainee mentioned that her sister had sustained an injury to her arm, though the relatives remained unsure about the specifics of how it took place.

"I'm just going to ask the authorities to take action and return our loved ones safely secure and in healthy condition," the relative said.

Official Responses

New Zealand's ministry of foreign affairs released a statement stating that a diplomatic representative in Tel Aviv had met with the citizens and that ongoing help would be provided in the following period.

At the same time, Israeli diplomatic authorities has denied claims that some detainees were refused entry their legal representatives and stated that the legal rights of the individuals were being "fully upheld."

Additional Allegations of Harsh Conditions

Human rights organizations working with the arrested participants have reported that some of those in detention have endured abuse and physical harm while in confinement centers.

• Lack of access healthcare services and necessary medicines
• Allegedly, a Muslim woman was pressured to remove her hijab
• Limited access to essential items

Political Positions

The co-leader of the country's Green Party, Chlöe Swarbrick, told a public gathering that the detained New Zealanders were trying to build a society "wherein our human dignity truly has value."

Simultaneously, the diplomat the official accused political opponents of "artificial anger" and suggested that participants of the flotilla were "looking for publicity" and had been told not to engage with the mission.

The leader the official stated to the media that officials had communicated "very strongly to the officials" that the well-being of citzens was crucial.

However, the official avoided to criticize the country's interception of the mission because there were "viewpoints on multiple sides."