Israel deports two activists detained on board Gaza flotilla

Israel has deported two activists, a Spanish national of Palestinian origin named Abu Keshek and a Brazilian national named Ávila, who were detained aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla. The activists were held in Ashkelon for a week and claimed to have experienced psychological abuse during their detention, including prolonged interrogations and isolation. Both men were on a hunger strike since their detention began, with Abu Keshek also refusing water. Brazil, Spain, and the UN had called for their release, deeming their detention unlawful. The Global Freedom Movement (GSF) criticized the European Union and Greece for their silence and demanded sanctions against Israel for alleged violations of international law.

Two activists, Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila, were deported from Israel on Sunday after being detained for over a week. They were intercepted by the Israeli navy off the coast of Crete while participating in a flotilla attempting to break the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. Abukeshek, of Spanish-Swedish and Palestinian origin, and Ávila, a Brazilian citizen, are steering committee members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which aims to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Israel's Foreign Ministry described the activists as "professional provocateurs" and stated that Israel would not permit any breach of the blockade.

Israel has deported two foreign activists, Saif Abu Keshek (Spanish national of Palestinian origin) and Thiago Avila (Brazilian), who were detained after being intercepted by the Israeli navy from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters off Crete on April 30. The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated they were deported on Sunday after an investigation, with Abu Keshek suspected of affiliation with a "terrorist" organization and Avila of illegal activity. Both activists denied the allegations, asserting they were on a humanitarian mission and their arrest was unlawful. Spain, Brazil, and the UN had called for their release, and an Israeli court had previously rejected an appeal against their detention.

Israel is set to release two activists, Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila, who were detained after their Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces. The pair, a Spanish-Palestinian and a Brazilian national, were abducted by Israeli authorities in international waters off the coast of Greece. They will be handed over to immigration authorities and are expected to be deported to their home countries in the coming days. Their lawyer stated that their detention was a violation of international law and intended to punish them for challenging Israel's blockade of Gaza. The Global Sumud Flotilla was attempting to deliver aid to Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict and blockade.

Spain is demanding the immediate release of Spanish-Swedish national Saif Abukeshek, who was arrested during a raid on a flotilla heading to Gaza and taken to Israel for questioning. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares described the detention as "illegal" and a "kidnapping," asserting that the arrest occurred outside Israeli jurisdiction. Abukeshek was among activists detained by Israeli forces in international waters off the coast of Crete. Israel claims Abukeshek has ties to Hamas, a designation Spain disputes, stating no evidence has been presented. The raid, which involved drones and jamming technology, saw 175 activists detained and taken to Greece, with Abukeshek and another individual being the only ones transported to Israel.

Israeli forces intercepted 22 vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near Greece earlier this week. Over 160 activists on board these intercepted ships have been transferred to the Greek island of Crete. The flotilla, which departed from Barcelona, was carrying humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, intended for Gaza. Israeli authorities confirmed the activists would be taken to Greece, and 168 crew members were transferred to Greek boats bound for Crete. While 22 boats were seized, organizers stated that 47 other vessels in the flotilla continue to sail towards Gaza.

Greek authorities are facilitating the return of all but two activists from a Gaza aid flotilla intercepted by Israel. The flotilla, comprising 58 vessels aiming to break the Gaza blockade, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces north-west of Crete on Thursday. Greek officials are transporting the released activists, of various nationalities, to Crete for temporary accommodation before their repatriation. The United States supported Israel's interception, deeming the flotilla a "meaningless political stunt." Israel stated its operation in international waters was peaceful, complied with international law, and aimed to prevent a blockade breach, also alleging the discovery of drugs and contraceptives and accusing organizers of collaborating with Hamas.