The International Committee for Breaking the Siege on Gaza announced Monday evening that international activists detained aboard the “Handala” solidarity ship have refused to sign deportation papers and are continuing an open-ended hunger strike in Israeli custody.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the committee reported that some of the detainees were subjected to physical violence during their arrest. Several female activists also raised concerns about poor detention conditions, citing a lack of ventilation and inadequate access to basic hygiene supplies.

The activists were detained on Saturday when Israeli naval forces intercepted the “Handala” as it attempted to breach the blockade on the Gaza Strip. The vessel was seized and escorted to Ashdod Port, and its crew taken into custody.

The ship, carrying pro-Palestinian international campaigners, was part of ongoing civil society efforts to challenge the longstanding Israeli siege on Gaza and deliver humanitarian support.