Virgin Islands sailor and US citizen Dane Hunter was released from an Israeli prison and reunited with family members and friends at JFK International Airport on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Photo: Facebook

Dane Hunter was among the many in the Global Sumud Flotilla seeking to deliver aid to Gaza who were arrested by Israeli forces in international waters on October 2, 2025. Photo: Facebook

Hunter was among the many in the Global Sumud Flotilla seeking to deliver aid to Gaza who were arrested by Israeli forces in international waters on October 2, 2025.

The Global Sumud Flotilla was made up of 44 civilian boats with an estimated 500 people onboard and was trying to break Israel's sea blockade.

‘Hunger strike’

Hunter was being held at the Ketziot Detention Centre in the Negev desert, and was reportedly on a hunger strike before his release.

The sailor had previously said he has Palestinian friends in the Caribbean and New York, and that his decision to join the flotilla was deeply personal.

Meanwhile, Governor Pruce was asked about the detention of Mr Hunter. He told our News Centre on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, “We are aware of media reports and are in touch with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office with a view to establishing the details.”

Protests had erupted around the world after Israel's interception of the flotilla.

People took to the streets in solidarity with the flotilla in countries including Italy, Spain, Colombia and Argentina.

Gaza has been dealing with severe food shortages due to the ongoing war.

Israel put in a sea blockade when Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, and there have been several attempts to break it since then.

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UPDATE: VI sailor Dane Hunter arrested by Israeli forces