Israel is preparing to deport roughly 170 activists detained after attempting to sail humanitarian aid to Gaza, according to lawyers for the Global Sumud Flotilla. Dozens of those held are reported to have begun a hunger strike in solidarity with Palestinians trapped under siege.

The detentions have fuelled a wave of international protests demanding an end to the war in Gaza and the release of the flotilla’s participants. Four Portuguese activists returned home to Lisbon on Sunday, describing their treatment in Israeli custody as abusive and alleging denial of medicine, legal access, and contact with family.

The episode has drawn renewed scrutiny of Israel’s handling of humanitarian missions to Gaza and underscored the growing global impatience with a conflict that shows no sign of abating.