Activists detained after Israel seized the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla have launched an indefinite hunger strike, as tens of thousands of demonstrators rally worldwide in protest of the Israeli government’s actions.
The flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters on Tuesday. The passengers and crew, including journalists and activists, were taken into custody and have since been detained without charges.
In response to this violation of international law, the activists have started a hunger strike to demand their immediate release and to bring attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The hunger strike has gained significant support and is now being carried out by 70 activists from various countries, including 12 Israelis who were on board the flotilla. The strike is being held at different locations across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, including outside the detention centers where the activists are being held.
The activists have released a statement, saying, “We will continue our hunger strike until all activists are released and the humanitarian aid is allowed into Gaza.” They have also called for the immediate end to the blockade of Gaza, which has been in place since 2007 and has caused severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies.
The hunger strike has sparked solidarity protests around the world, with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets in cities such as London, Paris, New York, and Istanbul. Demonstrators are demanding the release of the activists and an end to the siege of Gaza.
The global response to the hunger strike has been overwhelming, with people from all walks of life showing their support and solidarity. From celebrities to politicians to ordinary citizens, the call for justice and human rights for the activists and the people of Gaza is ringing loud and clear.
In London, protesters gathered outside the Israeli embassy, holding signs that read “Free Gaza” and “End the Siege.” Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn addressed the crowd, saying, “We are here in solidarity with the activists who were on board the flotilla, demanding their release and the end to the blockade of Gaza.”
In Paris, thousands of people marched through the streets, chanting “Free Palestine” and “Stop the Siege.” French politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon joined the protesters, declaring his support for the activists and condemning the actions of the Israeli government.
In New York, protesters rallied in front of the United Nations headquarters, calling for the release of the activists and an end to the occupation of Palestine. Human rights lawyer and activist, Noura Erakat, spoke at the rally, saying, “The hunger strike is a powerful form of non-violent resistance and shows the determination of these activists to bring attention to the plight of the Palestinian people.”
In Istanbul, protesters gathered outside the Israeli consulate, with many holding signs that read “Gaza, we are with you” and “Freedom for the flotilla activists.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned Israel’s actions, stating that the hunger strike is a “symbol of the global community’s refusal to remain silent in the face of injustice.”
The hunger strike has also received support from numerous international organizations, including the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch. They have called for the immediate release of the activists and an end to the blockade of Gaza.
The hunger strike of the activists detained after Israel seized the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla has become a powerful symbol of resistance against injustice and oppression. It has brought people from all over the world together to demand justice for the activists and the people of Gaza.
The international community must not remain silent and must take action to ensure that the activists are released and the humanitarian aid reaches Gaza. The hunger strike must serve as a wake-up call to the world to end the blockade of Gaza, and to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their struggle for freedom and justice.
