Republika Journalists Go on Hunger Strike After IDF Detention Over Israeli Food Refusal

At least 90 participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 went on hunger strike during their detention by Israeli forces. Two Republika journalists among those detained joined the protest.

During detention, the Israeli occupation forces (IDF) reportedly provided only bland bread and minimal drinks, which the hunger-striking activists refused to consume.

“We simply refused to eat,” said Bambang Noroyono, detained from the BoraLize vessel upon returning to Jakarta today. Over four days in captivity, he consumed only minimal water, causing his urine to turn red.

Abeng, his nickname, stated he was among the first group detained and placed on an Israeli prison ship on 18 May 2026. Onboard, Global Sumud Flotilla participants were housed in containers.

According to Abeng, some detained participants decided to stage a hunger strike as a protest tactic, similar to Palestinians in Israeli custody seeking justice.

The hunger strike continued after transfers to Ashdod Port in occupied Palestinian territory and during detention at Ketziot Prison in the Negev Desert near Gaza.

On 22 May 2026, Israel released around 430 activists detained from international waters near Cyprus, 250 nautical miles from Gaza. The activists were transported to Eilat Airport before flying to Turkey.

“I finally tasted food again during the flight to Istanbul,” Abeng said.

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