Israel releases two Gaza flotilla activists after extended detention
Israel released and deported two activists from the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla on Sunday after completing their investigation, as the Brazilian and Spanish nationals had faced multiple extensions of their detention by Israeli judicial authorities.
Release and deportation
The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday the release and deportation of two activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, Brazilian national Thiago de Avila and Spanish-Palestinian dual national Saif Abukeshek, following the completion of their investigation by Israeli authorities.
Their detention had been extended twice by Israeli judicial authorities prior to their release, according to the ministry's statement on X. The pair were subsequently deported after being held for an undisclosed period following their interception aboard the Gaza-bound aid vessels.
Vessels intercepted near Crete
The Global Sumud Flotilla came under attack on April 30 near the Greek island of Crete — approximately 600 nautical miles from its destination — as the vessels attempted to breach Israel's maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip. The incident marked the latest attempt by international activists to deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave.
Advertisement
The flotilla's initial ships departed Barcelona on April 12, while the main fleet sailed from Sicily on April 26, carrying supplies intended for the territory's 2.4 million residents. Organizers designed the mission to challenge Israel's years-long naval restrictions that have left Gaza on the verge of starvation, according to aid groups.
Blockade and offensive
Israel has maintained a crippling land, air, and sea blockade on Gaza since 2007, severely restricting the flow of food, medicine, and construction materials into the coastal territory. The restrictions have pushed the enclave's population to the brink of famine, with humanitarian organizations reporting catastrophic conditions across the strip.
The Israeli military launched a large-scale offensive against Gaza in October 2023 that has killed more than 72,000 people and wounded over 172,000 others, according to local health authorities. The two-year campaign has reduced vast swaths of the territory to rubble and displaced the majority of its inhabitants.
Comments you share on our site are a valuable resource for other users. Please be respectful of different opinions and other users. Avoid using rude, aggressive, derogatory, or discriminatory language.