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Relatives of detained campaigners from New Zealand have raised alarms about difficult circumstances in Israel's custody, featuring lack of access to drinking water and attorney access.

Humanitarian Mission Activists Face Removal

Approximately seventy activists from various countries are expected to be expelled from the country, including twenty-eight French nationals, twenty-seven Greek citizens, 15 Italian citizens, and 9 Swedes.

Loved One Testimonies of Harsh Circumstances

The father of one detainee voiced deep concern about his son's situation, saying: "I'm deeply concerned about him, as he is held in a cell at this moment, in a restricted area crowded with other detainees... he has been lacking water and legal representation."

Injuries and Treatment

Rana's sister stated that her sister had experienced an injury to her arm, though the relatives remained uncertain about the details of how it took place.

"I urge the officials to take action and return our family members safely safe and in good health," the relative commented.

Official Responses

New Zealand's ministry of foreign affairs issued a statement confirming that a diplomatic representative in Israel had met with the New Zealanders and that ongoing help would be offered in the near future.

Simultaneously, Israel's foreign ministry has denied claims that some participants were prevented from seeing their legal representatives and asserted that the legal rights of the individuals were being "completely protected."

Additional Allegations of Mistreatment

Human rights organizations representing the held participants have claimed that some of those in confinement have faced abuse and physical harm while in Israeli custody.

• Refusal of medical care and medication
• Reportedly, a woman of faith was compelled to take off her hijab
• Limited access to essential items

Official Reactions

A prominent member of New Zealand's Green Party, the politician, informed a media briefing that the detained New Zealanders were working to build a society "in which our humanity genuinely matters."

At the same time, the government official the minister criticized political opponents of "false indignation" and stated that participants of the aid convoy were "headline hunting" and had been told not to proceed with the journey.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told the media that officials had conveyed "very strongly to the authorities" that the well-being of nationals was paramount.

Yet, the prime minister declined to criticize Israel's interception of the mission because there were "viewpoints on each side."