Eleven members of a 27-strong Greek delegation detained during the Global Sumud Flotilla have begun a hunger strike to protest what they call their “illegal detention” by Israeli authorities.
In a statement released Thursday, October 2, the group described the move as “a continuation of the same stance: that Palestine is not alone, and that solidarity cannot be imprisoned.”
They rejected charges reportedly linked to Israel’s anti-terrorism law as “false” and “fabricated,” insisting the responsibility for any harm to detainees “lies solely with the Israeli state.”
Israeli naval forces intercepted most flotilla vessels on Thursday as they attempted to breach the blockade of Gaza, detaining dozens aboard, including European lawmakers. The operation has drawn widespread criticism.
Greek Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Lana Zochiou said Athens is in constant contact with its embassy in Tel Aviv and has lodged a demarche with Israel over the safety of its citizens.
She confirmed the ambassador will visit the site of detention and stressed that consular assistance is being provided.
Zochiou added that participants would undergo registration, control and deportation procedures, and that Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis is in contact with his Israeli counterpart.
She emphasised that Greece’s “strategic partnership” with Israel “has not been disrupted.”
Source: Ekathimerini.
