A group of Greek activists detained by Israeli authorities after the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla have announced they are beginning a hunger strike. The flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid bound for Gaza, was stopped earlier this week, with dozens of participants taken into custody.
In a statement shared on social media, the 11 detained activists said their protest is a collective response to what they described as “the crime committed against the Palestinian people and the ongoing violation of international law.” They rejected Israel’s right to block the flotilla in international waters and demanded the immediate release of all participants.
“Palestine is not alone, and solidarity cannot be imprisoned,” the statement read, stressing that any harm or disappearance of activists would be Israel’s responsibility.
The group also accused both international powers and Greek authorities of complicity through arms deals, political agreements, and legal cover that support the blockade of Gaza.
Outside Greece’s Foreign Ministry
On Thursday afternoon, representatives of the March to Gaza movement gathered outside the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Athens, calling for government intervention and a meeting with political leadership to press their demands.
Pro-Palestinian activists wave Palestinian flags as they protest to condemn the interception of the vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, outside the Ministry Of Foreign Affairs in Athens, Greece, October 2, 2025. REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki
Government Response
The Greek Foreign Ministry issued a statement confirming that 27 Greek citizens are currently in Israeli custody but stressed they are in good health and no violence has been reported against them.
The ministry said the flotilla’s vessels are being escorted to the Israeli port of Ashdod, where procedures for registration and deportation will take place. Greece’s ambassador in Tel Aviv has been dispatched to the site, while diplomatic démarches have been made to Israel regarding the protection of the Greek citizens involved.
Journalists’ Union Condemnation
Greece’s Journalists’ Union (ESIEA) condemned the interception, urging Israel to guarantee the safety of all passengers, including members of Greek and European media organizations on board.
“We support the international demand for lifting the blockade of Gaza and ensuring the free delivery of humanitarian aid,” ESIEA said in its statement, calling on the Greek government to act for the safety and return of its citizens.
Names of Hunger Strikers
The hunger strikers include crew members from vessels such as Oxygen.
1) Ploutarchos Vergis, crew member of “Oxygonou”
2) Kyriakos Vlachopoulos, crew member of “Pavlos Fyssas”
3) Ioanna Vrettou, crew member of “Pavlos Fyssas”
4) Evgenia Kavvadia, crew member of “Ahed Tamimi”
5) Anna Lagonikou, crew member of “Pavlos Fyssas”
6) Kostas Lambridis, crew member of “Pavlos Fyssas”
7) Paris Laftsis, crew member of “Pavlos Fyssas”
8) Nikos Liapouris, crew member of “Ahed Tamimi”
9) Takis Politis, crew member of “Pavlos Fyssas”
10) Angeliki Savvantoglou, crew member of “Pavlos Fyssas”
11) Kostas Fourikos, crew member of “Pavlos Fyssas”
For the activists, the hunger strike is “the least we can do from inside their cells to keep alive the voice of the struggle,” they wrote.
