Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza Aid Flotilla; Detainees Launch Hunger Strike

The Global Sumud Flotilla—an international humanitarian convoy of some 44 vessels—was intercepted by the Israeli navy on October 2, leading to the detention of more than 450 activists, who have now launched an indefinite hunger strike in protest.

Anadolu Agency reported that Israeli forces boarded and seized nearly all flotilla ships in international waters, asserting that the vessels sought to breach the naval blockade of Gaza. Authorities towed detained ships to Ashdod Port, where activists are undergoing deportation hearings. Legal aid groups, including Adalah, told AA that hearings were conducted without prior notice or access to counsel, raising serious due process concerns.

According to flotilla organizers, detainees come from over 50 countries. Reuters confirmed that among those detained was Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, further amplifying international attention on the incident. Legal aid groups, including Adalah, report that deportation hearings are being conducted without prior notice or access to counsel, raising serious due process concerns.

Anadolu Agency reported that detainees launched an open-ended hunger strike almost immediately after their arrest, denouncing what they described as Israel’s “illegal attack.” Eleven Greek nationals also joined the strike, with Greek media outlet Ekathimerini citing them as demanding immediate release.

The Associated Press noted that Israel defended the interception as a legitimate security operation in what it described as an “active combat zone.” Latin American countries including Brazil and Bolivia condemned the seizure as a violation of international law, with Peoples Dispatch reporting that regional governments demanded the release of detainees. Meanwhile, AP also highlighted protests across European capitals in solidarity with flotilla activists.