A Tasmanian woman aboard a second pro-Palestinian aid flotilla intercepted by Israel will be “indefinitely detained” in an Israeli prison unless she agrees to sign a waiver.
Madeleine Habib, who captained the Conscience vessel, was arrested by Israeli forces on 8 October and detained in Israel’s Ketziot prison for “illegally seeking to break Israel’s naval blockade on Gaza”.
Habib’s detention comes as Australian activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla arrived back in Sydney this morning after being released by Israeli authorities and deported to Jordan this week.
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In a Senate estimates hearing on Friday morning, Greens senator, Nick McKim, asked whether officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) had any concerns about Habib but they could not provide further information due to privacy rules.
Habib, an experienced mariner, told Australian consular officials who visited her in jail on Thursday she had experienced “degradation but no physical abuse”, correspondence seen by Guardian Australia showed.
Habib told officials she had been provided with consular assistance and access to her lawyer but said she had eaten only “stale bread” and “brown” tap water.
She also said she suspected her cell might have bedbugs but told officials she had experienced worse sleeping conditions in hostels and on boats.
All those aboard the “freedom” flotilla who were arrested by Israel had hearings on Thursday morning and detainees were asked to sign a waiver before being deported to Turkey.
Dfat’s report noted Habib did not agree to sign the waiver and said the officials confirmed with Israeli immigration officials that any detainees who refused to sign the waiver would remain in Israel indefinitely.
The officials noted this differed from past experience where detainees would be deported after 72 hours regardless of whether they signed a waiver.
Guardian Australia understands the waiver required detainees to acknowledge they had sought to illegally break Israel’s naval blockade on Gaza. At least one member of the flotilla who did not sign a waiver has been released, sources have said.
McKim asked the estimates hearing if Australian officials were concerned about Habib’s treatment in the southern Israeli jail. The high-security prison in the Negev desert is known for its detention of Palestinian security prisoners, many of whom Israel accuses of involvement in militant or terrorist activities.
Wong told the committee Dfat could not respond publicly due to privacy considerations.
“Our expectation is that Israel ensures that humane treatment to any detainees in line with international norms is provided,” Wong said.
Dfat officials reported they might not be able to visit Habib again until next Wednesday due to government shutdowns during the holiday period.
It’s understood government officials believe Habib will be released from the Israeli prison on Sunday.
Guardian Australia sought responses from the Israeli embassy in Australia and the Israeli government.
