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87 Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla Activists Launch Hunger Strike Over Israeli Detention

20/05/2026 04:28 PM

ISTANBUL, May 20 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Eighty-seven activists aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, who are being held by Israel, have begun a hunger strike to protest their detention and show solidarity with Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

In a post on X on Tuesday, the flotilla said that for the second time in three weeks, the Israeli army, which claims to be “the most moral army,” had abducted their companions from international waters.

It added that “in protest of their illegal abduction and in solidarity with the over 9,500 Palestinian hostages held in Israeli dungeons, at least 87 flotilla participants have committed to a hunger strike until they are released.”

The flotilla called for the release of all detainees held by Israeli authorities and urged governments to condemn the “act of piracy.”

The flotilla also called for lifting the blockade on the Gaza Strip and for the release of all abductees from the flotilla, as well as all Palestinian prisoners.

Global Sumud Flotilla on Tuesday said that all 50 vessels in its aid convoy had been seized by Israel.

Together they were carrying 428 people from 44 countries, including 78 Turkish citizens.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU


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