Arrest of Dutch activists after intercepting the Gaza flotilla - hunger strike begins
Ten Dutch citizens are detained in Ketziot prison in the Negev Desert after the Israeli Navy intercepted the "Global Fleet of Resilience" heading to Gaza. The fleet, which includes about 500 international activists on board 42 ships, aimed to deliver humanitarian aid and break the blockade imposed on Gaza. Israeli forces intercepted the ships in international waters in a live-broadcast operation that lasted about twelve hours, during which more than 400 participants were transferred to Ashdod port for processing by the Israeli police.
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Friday the arrests and explained that embassy staff visited the detainees to check on their conditions and explain the legal procedures to them. The ministry emphasized that it is pressuring Israel to ensure humane treatment and is working for the return of the Dutch group to their country as soon as possible. The Dutch delegation included sixteen people, but not all of them hold Dutch passports.
According to the "Global Fleet for Resilience" branch in the Netherlands, three of the detainees have started a hunger strike, and the group described them as "extremely exhausted" but without serious injuries. Some prisoners refused to sign confession papers, which could prolong their detention. Israel had announced its intention to deport the activists, but the final details remain unclear.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry attempted to portray the fleet as politically motivated, repeatedly describing it as the "Hamas-Resilience Fleet." Authorities claimed that Israel, Italy, and Greece offered alternative routes for delivering aid peacefully, accusing participants of seeking to "provoke" rather than provide humanitarian assistance. The ministry also released a video showing activist Greta Thunberg receiving a bottle of water and a vest, with a caption confirming that "Greta and her friends are fine and healthy." Four Italian activists have already been deported.
International law experts have criticized Israel's actions. Dutch maritime law expert Fred Sons stated that if no weapons are found, there is no legal basis for intercepting ships in international waters. At the same time, humanitarian organizations highlight the worsening crisis in Gaza. According to figures reported by Al Jazeera from the Palestinian Ministry of Health, more than 66,000 people have been killed since the beginning of the war, including over 19,000 children. At least 440 people have died from hunger, including 147 children, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian aid.