Greek Activists Launch Hunger Strike After Gaza Flotilla Interception

A group of Greek activists detained by Israeli authorities after the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla have announced the start of a hunger strike, declaring their action as a protest against the blockade of Gaza and their detention.

The flotilla, which included vessels carrying humanitarian aid and international solidarity activists, was stopped earlier this week in international waters by Israeli forces. Among those on board were several Greek participants from the March to Gaza initiative.

In a statement shared on social media, the detained activists described their hunger strike as “a collective stance against the crime being committed against the Palestinian people and the ongoing violation of every concept of international law.” They rejected the legitimacy of Israel’s blockade of Gaza and accused the Israeli government of unlawfully detaining the flotilla’s members.

“We demand the immediate release of all members of our mission and of the Global Sumud Flotilla as a whole,” the statement read, while also warning that Israel would bear full responsibility if any of the detainees were harmed.

The activists further accused both international powers and Greek authorities of complicity through arms sales, political agreements, and legal frameworks that, they argued, facilitate occupation and human rights violations.

The hunger strikers—11 Greek nationals named in the announcement—called their action “a self-evident act of solidarity” with Palestinians living under blockade and urged continued international mobilization for Gaza.

Meanwhile, in Athens, members of the March to Gaza delegation gathered outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, requesting a meeting with political leaders to press for government intervention in the case.

The incident has sparked renewed debate in Greece regarding the country’s diplomatic and military ties with Israel, as well as the role of international solidarity missions in the ongoing conflict.

(Source: To Vima)