87 activists on Gaza-bound flotilla begin hunger strike in Israeli detention

Eighty-seven activists aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, who are being held by Israel, have begun a hunger strike to protest their detention and show solidarity with Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. In a post on X, the flotilla said that for the second time in three weeks, the Israeli army had abducted their companions from international waters.

Protest and solidarity

"In protest of their illegal abduction and in solidarity with the over 9,500 Palestinian hostages held in Israeli dungeons, at least 87 flotilla participants have committed to a hunger strike until they are released," the flotilla said. It called for the release of all detainees and urged governments to condemn the "act of piracy."

Vessels seized

The Global Sumud Flotilla on Tuesday said that all 50 vessels in its aid convoy had been seized by Israel, carrying 428 people from 44 countries, including 78 Turkish citizens. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said all activists have been transferred to Israeli vessels and are on their way to Israel, where they will be able to meet with their consular representatives.

Previous incidents

This was not the first such incident. In late April, the Israeli army attacked flotilla boats in international waters off Crete, with 345 participants from 39 countries. Israel has imposed a crippling blockade on Gaza since 2007 and launched a war on Gaza in October 2023, killing more than 72,000 people.