Israeli Forces Detain 21 Activists on Gaza-Bound Handala Boat; Two US-Israeli Crew Released, Hunger Strikes Underway

Israeli forces detained 21 activists from 10 countries aboard the Gaza-bound Handala aid boat after intercepting it in international waters while attempting to breach the Israeli maritime blockade of the Palestinian territory. The detainees include pro-Palestinian activists and journalists who have since called on their respective governments to intervene for their release. Two crew members holding dual Israeli and American nationality, Bob Subery and Huwaida Arraf, were released from Israeli custody. The remaining detained activists have refused deportation orders issued by an Israeli court and many have begun hunger strikes in protest. An Israeli court upheld the detention of 14 humanitarian flotilla volunteers. Human rights organizations have reported on the conditions in Gaza amid these developments.