Israel occupation detains hundreds as Gaza flotilla activists declare hunger strike

QUDS, May 21 (YPA) – The Global Sumud Flotilla declared on Thursday that dozens of activists detained by Israeli occupation’s authorities have begun an open-ended hunger strike in protest against the interception of their vessels in international waters and in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli detention.

In a statement posted on X, the flotilla said more than 87 activists joined the hunger strike following the seizure of ships bound for the Gaza Strip, adding that the move also expresses support for approximately 9,500 Palestinian prisoners held under difficult conditions.

The group described the interception as the second such incident in less than three weeks, calling on governments and international organizations to condemn what it termed unlawful actions against civilian vessels attempting to break the blockade on Gaza.

Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the detention of all participants in the flotilla, estimated at around 430 activists of various nationalities, saying they were transferred to Israeli custody ahead of deportation procedures.

The flotilla’s operations room stated that Israeli forces intercepted all vessels in international waters, with the ship “Lena Nabulsi” reportedly being the last to be seized.

The flotilla is part of ongoing international initiatives aimed at challenging the blockade on Gaza since 2007 and highlighting the humanitarian situation in the territory amid shortages of essential supplies.

The interception drew criticism from international rights groups, including Amnesty International, which condemned the operation as inhumane.