Gaza aid flotilla activists launch hunger strike after being abducted, detained by 'Israel'

• At least 87 Gaza flotilla activists begin hunger strike after 'Israeli' forces abduct and detain aid mission participants

At least 87 activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla have begun a hunger strike following the interception of vessels bound for Gaza, according to organisers.

The protest, announced on Wednesday, comes after 'Israeli' forces intercepted the last remaining boat of a flotilla that set sail from the Turkish port city of Marmaris last week, carrying aid and activists aiming to break 'Israel’s' blockade of the Gaza Strip.

The Global Sumud Flotilla said the hunger strike is being carried out “in protest of their illegal abduction and in solidarity with the over 9,500 Palestinian detainees held in Israeli dungeons”.

Late on Tuesday, organisers said 'Israeli' forces boarded the vessel Lina al-Nabulsi and detained six people on board, marking the final interception in a group of more than 50 ships.

'Israel’s' Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that all 430 activists aboard the flotilla had been transferred to 'Israeli' vessels and were being taken to 'Israel' for processing and consular access. A ministry spokesperson described the mission as “nothing more than a PR stunt”.

According to organisers, 'Israeli' forces began intercepting vessels in international waters off the coast of Cyprus on Monday, during which they raided boats and allegedly used rubber bullets against participants.

The flotilla included 50 ships carrying 428 activists from 44 countries, the group said. Among those detained were nine Indonesian citizens, while about 15 Irish nationals were also held, including Margaret Connolly, a doctor and sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly.

Several countries, including Jordan, Türkiye, Spain, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Indonesia, Colombia, Libya and the Maldives, condemned the interceptions as violations of international law and international humanitarian law. The United States, meanwhile, imposed sanctions on four activists involved in flotilla efforts, accusing them of supporting Hamas, a claim the organisers reject.

The Global Sumud Flotilla has called for the immediate release of all detainees and urged governments to condemn what it described as an act of piracy in international waters.