Three Australian activists, Ethan Floyd, Neve O’Connor, and Zack Schofield, have begun a hunger strike in Crete after alleging mistreatment by Israeli forces during their detention following the interception of a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. The flotilla, part of the Global Sumud initiative, was intercepted off the coast of Crete, with 31 of the approximately 175 activists requiring hospital treatment. Schofield reported that the activists were held on a vessel retrofitted as a prison, where they allegedly faced violence from Israeli forces, including beatings and the use of rubber bullets. Despite claims from Israeli officials that all detainees were unharmed, Schofield described witnessing severe mistreatment. The activists are demanding the release of two flotilla leaders, Thiago Ávila from Brazil and Saif Abu Keshek from Spain, who are reportedly being transported back to Israel for questioning. In response, several European governments have condemned Israel's actions and called for the immediate release of the detained activists. The Australian government is providing consular assistance and has joined international calls for Israel to comply with humanitarian obligations.