There is concern an Australian activist, arrested for attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza, could be held in Israeli detention indefinitely if she refuses to sign a waiver.
Four of the seven activists arrived in Australia on Friday morning, greeted by families and members of the media after six days in an Israeli prison — where they were taken after Israeli forces intercepted their Global Sumud Flotilla vessels off the coast of Gaza.
Hours later, Greens senator Nick McKim used Senate estimates to quiz Foreign Minister Penny Wong about the safety of Madeline Habib, the captain of one of the boats, who remains in detention.
McKim said Habib's human rights were being "egregiously abused" and she was "being threatened with indefinite detention" unless she signed a waiver form.
In correspondence between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Habib's husband, seen by SBS News, consular officers said this differed from past experiences "where detainees were deported after 72 hours, regardless of signing the waiver or not".
"This was the first time we had been told detainees would remain in detention indefinitely," the letter reads.
The nature of the waiver is unclear. SBS News has contacted DFAT for comment.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the federal government will continue diplomatic engagement over the treatment of Australians in Israel. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas
Following an Australian consular visit, the email outlines that Habib is in "good health", except for a broken tooth, is being fed stale bread and brown water, and is sleeping in a cell she thinks may contain bed bugs.
McKim questioned Wong on whether these detention conditions were satisfactory.
"Our expectations of Israel is that detainees receive humane treatment in line with international norms, which includes the provision of food and water," Wong responded.
She reiterated that she had concerns for all detained Australians and the federal government works "very hard" in its advocacy to "get the best outcome we can".
Deported Australian flotilla activists return home
One of the returning activists, Juliet Lamont, labelled Habib an "immaculate sailor" and a "very brave woman" as they touched down in Australia.
Lamont, along with activists Abubakir Rafiq and Hamish Patterson, flew into Sydney Airport, while Bianca Webb Pullman arrived at Melbourne Airport.
The activists said they would attend the pro-Palestinian protest in Sydney on Saturday and lead a chant of "Madeline Habib, bring her home".
Speaking with reporters at Sydney Airport, 54-year-old filmmaker Lamont labelled United States President Donald Trump's ceasefire plan for Gaza as "dodgy" and vowed to return to Gaza with "150 boats".
"As much as it is great that we're all here together, we have to keep all eyes on Gaza. This ropey ceasefire, this dodgy Trumpian real estate-grab ceasefire deal, let's see what will happen," she said.
Many world leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, have welcomed the ceasefire — part of a 20-point peace plan — and there were celebrations in both Gaza and Israel after it was announced. But experts have said there are still many questions over how it will play out.
Lamont vowed the activists, who were attempting to challenge Israel's naval blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid, would return "to show Palestinian solidarity and love".
"We are going back and we are going to take 150 boats this time," she said.
Alleged torture by Israeli forces
The activists alleged they were refused medical treatment, medication and legal counsel while detained by Israeli forces.
"While we were held hostage, we were abused, we were tortured, we were kicked, punched, spat at," Rafiq said.
"We were refused access to medication. We were refused seeing a doctor, refused to see a lawyer. Women did not receive menstrual pads. We were refused clean drinking water. They pointed their guns at us. They would raid us in the middle of the night with dogs and guns simply just to count."
Australian activist Abu Bakr Rafiq (right) is embraced after returning home. He said the activists would "continue fighting". Source: AAP / Bianca De Marchi
In Senate estimates on Friday morning, Wong said Australian officials had raised concerns over the alleged treatment of the flotilla activists while they were detained.
SBS News understands department officials spoke with Israel's ambassador in Canberra, and Australia's ambassador in Tel Aviv raised the issue within Israel.
Australian activist Bianca Webb-Pullman (left) is reunited with partner Stephen Rowe at Melbourne Airport. Source: AAP / James Ross
They said they were visited by representatives from the Australian consulate while in Ketziot prison, but it "didn't really add up to much".
"Australia was one of the last countries to be processed from jail," Lamont said.
She said when they were in Jordan, where they were deported to before returning to Australia, "every single participant had their country's counsellor or ambassador there except Australia".
The returning activists have accused the Australian government of not providing enough support. Source: AAP / Bianca De Marchi
"Our diplomats travelled to Ketziot multiple times, conducted in-person visits and welfare checks. They advocated to Israeli authorities on behalf of the Australians and provided updates to detainees' families," it said.
"Officials worked with Israeli authorities to ensure the release and deportation of the Australians and they continue to provide consular assistance."
Lamont also said she feared for the safety of Habib.
The letter following Habib's consular office visit noted she had "experienced degradation but no physical abuse" and some conditions at the prison were no worse than what she had experienced in some hostels and boats.
Cameron Tribe, the captain of the Marionette, the last ship to be intercepted by Israeli forces, is due to return to Sydney on Saturday morning.
Global Sumud Flotilla activists from 40 other countries have also been deported from Israel after being arrested during the interception in early October.
