Australian activists released in Crete allege mistreatment by Israeli forces who intercepted Gaza flotilla

Three Australians among 175 activists taken by Israel from ships attempting to transport aid to Gaza say they have launched a hunger strike Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Three Australian activists say they have launched a hunger strike in Crete, after being left there by Israeli authorities following the interception of a flotilla attempting to transport aid to Gaza. Ethan Floyd, Neve O’Connor and Zack Schofield – three of six Australians released after their ships were intercepted on Wednesday – said they and their colleagues were subjected to mistreatment while held for two days onboard an Israeli vessel. Greek officials said 31 of the roughly 175 activists from the flotilla were taken to a hospital on Crete. Schofield said the three Australians have since been discharged from Sitia hospital but remain on the island. Twenty-two vessels were intercepted off the coast of Crete on Wednesday evening while travelling as part of the Global Sumud flotilla, which left Italy on Monday. Schofield, who spoke with Guardian Australia after his release, said the activists were held by Israel on a transport ship. He said the vessel had been retrofitted as a prison,