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 against the naval blockade and Israel’s interception of humanitarian aid.
The Israeli navy seized the last vessel of the GSF on Friday, ending the largest maritime challenge to its Gaza blockade in nearly two decades.
The yacht Marinette was intercepted roughly 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza, after a week-long confrontation at sea that involved 44 vessels carrying more than 450 activists, volunteers and politicians from over 50 countries.
Israeli authorities escorted the vessel to Ashdod port and detained its passengers, who included Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela.
An Israeli navy vessel arriving at Ashdod port after intercepting boats carrying aid to Gaza and detaining activists aboard, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, Oct. 2, 2025. (EPA Photo)
