Two Belgian nationals detained in Israel after joining the Global Sumud Flotilla have begun a hunger strike, according to Flotilla Belgium. The participants are human rights lawyer Alexis Deswaef and Brussels-based activist Latifa Gharbaoui.
The flotilla, made up of dozens of ships aiming to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza, was intercepted in international waters and towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod. Lawyers from the Israeli NGO Adalah said they were only granted delayed access to the 331 detainees, many of whom were interrogated without legal assistance.
Adalah reported that several activists complained of aggression, threats and intimidation, including being violently woken whenever they tried to sleep. Israel has already deported 147 participants, including activists from Turkey, Italy, the US and Morocco.
Belgium’s Foreign Ministry confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation. “Our ambassador has personally met the Belgian participants to verify their safety and health”, spokesperson David Jordens said.
Israeli authorities have announced plans to expel all detainees, though the timing remains unclear.
A pro-Palestinian demonstrator waves a Palestinian flag during the protest on the Milan’s highway against the interception by Israeli army of the Global Sumud Flotilla © Stefano RELLANDINI / AFP