Human rights activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, detained by Israeli forces during an attempt to break the blockade of Gaza, have launched an indefinite hunger strike in protest of their captivity.
The activists, who were aboard ships targeted in international waters by the Israeli Navy, began their protest immediately after being detained, reports Anadolu Agency.
The International Committee to Break the Siege of Gaza issued a statement on 3 October, confirming that several of the detained activists had initiated the hunger strike right after their capture. The committee highlighted that during the arrest, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir labeled the detainees as “terrorists.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla had recently set sail with the mission of delivering much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has been under a severe Israeli blockade since Hamas took control of the region in 2007.
The flotilla was also advocating for the end of Israel’s blockade, which restricts the flow of essential goods, including food and medical supplies, into Gaza.
On the night of 2 October, Israeli naval forces intercepted the flotilla, which consisted of nearly 44 ships, and took control of the vessels. More than 450 activists from over 50 countries, including prominent human rights defenders, were detained.
The flotilla’s mission comes in the wake of Israel’s intensified military offensive against Hamas in Gaza since October 2023, which has led to widespread devastation, including significant loss of life and a deepening food crisis. As a result, Gaza is facing an escalating humanitarian disaster.
Among those detained are well-known figures like environmental activist Greta Thunberg, former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, European Parliament member Rima Hasan, and Bangladeshi human rights advocate Shahidul Alam.
The hunger strike is seen as a direct challenge to Israel’s ongoing blockade of Gaza and an urgent call for international attention to the humanitarian situation in the region. The activists are demanding an end to the restrictions and urging the global community to support their cause.
