Why it matters:
The hunger strike by Global Sumud Flotilla detainees highlights their ongoing resistance to Israel’s blockade of Gaza. With high-profile figures among those arrested, the protest amplifies global scrutiny of Israel’s acts of aggression and raises urgent questions over the legality of intercepting humanitarian missions in international waters.
The big picture:
The flotilla’s seizure and ensuing hunger strike come amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where border closures and famine-linked deaths are mounting. As global protests intensify, the incident underscores rising international pressure on Israel to end its blockade and allow aid into the besieged enclave.
What is happening:
The International Committee to Break the Siege of Gaza said Friday that detainees aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla began an open-ended hunger strike immediately upon arrest.
The activists were sailing to deliver aid and challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
The final vessel, the Polish-flagged Marinette, was seized Thursday, completing the capture of the 44-ship convoy.
Livestream footage showed Israeli naval forces storming the ship, which carried six crew members.
What they’re saying:
Australian captain Cameron, speaking via video call before the seizure, said the Marinette had engine trouble and lagged behind the main convoy. “We’ve got a bunch of very tough Turks onboard … a lady from Oman and myself, and we’re steaming toward Gaza,” he said.
By the numbers
- The Marinette was intercepted 43 nautical miles from Gaza, well within international waters.
- Since Wednesday, Israel has detained around 500 activists from over 40 countries.
- High-profile detainees include Greta Thunberg, former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, and EU lawmaker Rima Hassan.
Zoom out:
The flotilla’s seizure comes amid intensified Israeli acts of aggression in Gaza.
On March 2, Israel sealed all border crossings, violating a ceasefire with Gaza based resistance movement Hamas and halting humanitarian aid.
The blockade has contributed to 453 famine-related deaths, including 150 children.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, Gaza’s death toll has reached 66,225, mostly women and children, with nearly the entire population displaced.
Go deeper:
Israeli Forces Raid Latest Global Sumud Flotilla Boat
Hossein Amiri - A.Akbari
