Dane Hunter, the first and only Virgin Islands national to join the Global Sumud Flotilla, announced his release today, October 12, after being detained by Israeli authorities following the interception of a Gaza-bound convoy in international waters on October 1–2.
In a message posted on social media about three hours ago, Hunter wrote, “Ya boi’s back, fresh from an Israeli torture prison out in the middle of the desert,” thanking friends, family, and supporters who petitioned for his release. He also urged continued advocacy for “the 11,000 Palestinian hostages (including 400 children)” he said remain detained.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which included climate activist Greta Thunberg and hundreds of others aboard more than 40 vessels, was intercepted by the Israeli navy about 160 nautical miles from Gaza, according to communications sent by Hunter and other participants before contact was lost. In a message to supporters on Oct. 1 at 6:32 p.m., Hunter wrote that a “military ship [was] currently inbound from Ashdod” and that the group expected to be intercepted “either tonight or tomorrow.”
An update posted by activist Ilyssa Forman at about 1 p.m. Oct. 2 said flotilla participants were “currently in custody and undergoing hearings about their detention and deportation orders,” adding that lawyers from the group Adalah had gained access to detainees in Ashdod port.
Israeli officials said the flotilla was stopped in international waters and that passengers were “safe and healthy” while being processed for deportation. They said any humanitarian aid aboard would be redirected through official channels.
The operation drew criticism from human rights groups and international organizations. Amnesty International described the interdictions as “a brazen assault against solidarity activists carrying out an entirely peaceful humanitarian mission.” Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the United Nations, said the interception widened an “unlawful blockade” and called for detainees’ rights to be respected.
No other Virgin Islands nationals have been publicly confirmed among the detained participants.
