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Activists deported after detention in Israel
Israel has deported two pro-Palestinian activists, Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Ávila, following their detention after a Gaza-bound aid flotilla was intercepted in international waters last week.
Flotilla interception and detention
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), comprising 22 boats and approximately 175 activists, was stopped near Crete, hundreds of nautical miles from Gaza. While the majority of activists were taken to Crete and released, Abu Keshek and Ávila were diverted to Israel.
Israeli authorities accused Abu Keshek of alleged ties to a terrorist organization and Ávila of illegal activity-charges both men denied. Israel's foreign ministry announced on Sunday that investigations had concluded and the pair had been deported, reiterating its stance on enforcing the naval blockade on Gaza.
Allegations of unlawful detention and mistreatment
Adalah, the rights group representing the activists, condemned their detention as unlawful and lacking legal basis. Hadeel Abu Salih, an Adalah lawyer, described the proceedings as a "sham" intended to punish the activists for challenging the blockade.
Adalah further alleged that the transfer of the activists to Israeli custody violated international law. During their week-long detention in Ashkelon, the group claimed the men endured psychological abuse, including prolonged interrogations, constant bright lighting, isolation, and blindfolded transfers-even during medical examinations. Israel's foreign ministry denied these allegations.
Hunger strike and international response
Abu Keshek, a Spanish national of Palestinian origin, and Ávila, a Brazilian citizen, went on hunger strike from the start of their detention. Abu Keshek also refused water beginning May 5, according to Adalah.
Brazil, Spain, and the United Nations demanded their release, echoing claims that the detention was unlawful. The GSF, in a statement on Saturday, called for accountability from the European Union and Greece, accusing them of complicity through silence. The group also urged immediate sanctions against Israel for what it termed an "illegal abduction" and ongoing violations of international law.
Broader context of Gaza blockade
The GSF's mission is to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel's blockade of the territory. In October, Israel intercepted a previous GSF flotilla, arresting and deporting over 470 participants, including climate activist Greta Thunberg.
The United Nations has warned that Gaza's humanitarian crisis remains severe despite a ceasefire agreed six months ago, following two years of devastating conflict.
