Israeli forces boarding Gaza-bound flotilla near Cyprus, activists say

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.

Two activists, Spanish-Swedish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian Thiago Avila, remain detained by Israel after being abducted from a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla in international waters near Greece. They were among 175 activists intercepted by Israeli forces on May 3, 2026, who were attempting to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. Abu Keshek, of Palestinian origin, is a long-time organizer of Palestinian solidarity movements in Europe. Both activists have been on a hunger strike since their detention. The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising over 50 vessels, departed from Europe on April 12 with the aim of delivering supplies to Gaza.

Two activists, Saif Abu Keshek from Spain and Thiago Avila from Brazil, who were part of a Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotilla, appeared in an Israeli court in Ashkelon on Sunday. They were detained and allegedly abducted by Israeli authorities in international waters off Greece on Thursday. A rights group representing them stated that their detention has been extended by two days for further interrogation, with accusations including affiliation with a "terrorist organisation." Israeli authorities claim the activists are linked to a group operating at the behest of Hamas. Attorneys argued the proceedings are flawed and illegal, lacking a basis for extraterritorial application of offenses. Spain has condemned the detention of its national.

Two activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla, a Spanish national named Saif Abu Keshek and a Brazilian national named Thiago Ávila, appeared in an Israeli court in Ashkelon on Sunday. They were among 175 activists intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off Greece early Thursday. The flotilla aimed to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver supplies. Israel stated the two activists are affiliated with an organization sanctioned by the US for allegedly acting on behalf of Hamas. Spain has condemned the detention of Abu Keshek and rejected the accusations. The activists' defense group, Adalah, reported that both men claim to have been subjected to brutality and mistreatment during their seizure and detention. The court was asked to extend their detention by four days.

Two foreign activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla were brought to Israel for interrogation after their vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off Greece early Thursday. The flotilla, comprising over 50 ships from France, Spain, and Italy, aimed to break Israel's blockade of Gaza and deliver supplies. Israeli forces removed approximately 175 activists, with two subsequently taken to Israel for questioning. The activists appeared before an Israeli court on Sunday, as reported by their defending rights group.

Israeli forces intercepted at least 22 boats from a pro-Palestinian flotilla aiming to break the Gaza blockade near Crete. Approximately 175 activists from over 20 vessels were detained and are being transported to Israel. The flotilla, comprising 58 boats from various European countries, set sail two weeks ago. Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla condemned the interception as "piracy" and an unlawful seizure of civilians in international waters, while Israel's foreign ministry dismissed the effort as a "PR stunt." The incident occurred approximately 965 kilometers from Gaza.

Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza aid flotilla in international waters off the coast of Greece, detaining dozens of activists. The "Global Sumud Flotilla," which departed from Barcelona earlier this month with the aim of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, was intercepted near the island of Crete. The flotilla, comprising dozens of boats and over 1,000 participants from various countries, was attempting to break Israel's maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip. This incident marks the second time in less than a year that Israeli authorities have thwarted a similar activist effort to reach Gaza. The activists were detained while sailing hundreds of kilometers from Gaza.

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.

Israeli forces intercepted and detained crews from at least 22 boats belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla near Crete. The flotilla, comprising approximately 58 vessels from 70 countries, departed from Italy aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and break Israel's maritime blockade. Organizers described the interception, occurring over 600 miles from Gaza, as an "abduction of civilians in the middle of the Mediterranean" and a "violent raid in international waters," alleging damage to vessels and jamming of communications. Israel's foreign ministry stated that the IDF took control of over 20 boats with about 175 activists, with the defense minister claiming the flotilla was organized by Hamas. Israel offered to allow aid delivery through recognized channels via the port of Ashdod.

The Israeli navy intercepted boats from the Global Sumud flotilla in international waters, detaining at least six Australian activists. The flotilla, which departed from Italy with over 50 boats, aimed to deliver aid and volunteers to Gaza, which is under Israeli naval blockade. Among the 14 Australian citizens onboard, only two remain in communication and are continuing towards Gaza. Families of the detained activists, including Newcastle's Zack Schofield, have expressed distress and criticized the Australian government's lack of intervention. CCTV footage reportedly shows Israeli Defense Forces boarding the vessels.

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.