Gaza aid flotilla detainees on hunger strike against Israel's interception

Dozens of activists detained from the Global Sumud Flotilla have launched an indefinite hunger strike following their arrest by Israeli forces, the International Committee to Break the Siege of Gaza said on Friday.

The committee announced that several participants “have entered an open-ended hunger strike from the moment of their detention” after Israeli naval units seized the flotilla’s vessels in international waters.

Nearly all 44 boats in the humanitarian convoy were intercepted on Thursday, with more than 450 activists from around 50 countries taken into custody. The flotilla had set out with the aim of delivering aid to Gaza and challenging Israel’s years-long blockade of the enclave.

Israel has enforced the blockade on Gaza, home to some 2.3 million people, for nearly 18 years.

Also Read: Israel ready to deport all Gaza flotilla activists after their 'thorough inspection' 

Earlier, Israeli police confirmed that over 470 activists from the flotilla had been processed and were awaiting deportation, according to a report by the Times of Israel. Officials said more than 600 police officers had been deployed at Ashdod Port to conduct a “thorough inspection process.”

The detainees have since been transferred to the Population and Immigration Authority and the Israel Prison Service for further processing.

The police also warned that the Marinette, the last ship still at sea, would be intercepted by the Israeli navy if it continues its journey toward Gaza.