Israel Releases Gaza Flotilla Activists After Detention
Israel confirmed the release and removal of two Global Sumud activists detained after a Gaza-bound flotilla was intercepted in international waters.
Brazilian and Spanish activists Thiago Ávila and Saif Abu Keshek following international calls for their release. Photo: Global Sumud Flotilla.
May 10, 2026 Hour: 4:43 am
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Brazilian and Spanish activists detained after a Gaza-bound humanitarian mission were removed from Israel on Sunday
Israel confirmed on Sunday the release and removal of Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila and Spanish activist Saif Abu Keshek after both were detained during a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla intercepted in international waters.
RELATED: Israel Detains Flotilla Activists Thiago Avila and Saif Abukeshek in International Waters
The two activists were part of the second Global Sumud flotilla, which departed from Spain on April 12 with the stated aim of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza while protesting Israel’s blockade on the Palestinian enclave.
Israeli naval forces intercepted the mission on April 30 in international waters near the Greek coast and transferred the activists into Israeli custody.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry accused Abu Keshek of suspected links to a terrorist organization and alleged that Ávila had engaged in illegal activities. Both activists rejected the accusations, maintaining that their detention in international waters was unlawful and that their mission was humanitarian in nature.
Isolation and international pressure
Hours before Israeli authorities confirmed their removal from the country, Global Sumud announced that both activists would soon regain their freedom following what the organization described as an “illegal captivity by the Israeli regime in occupied Palestine.”
The flotilla campaign attributed the outcome to sustained international public, political and diplomatic pressure surrounding the case.
According to Global Sumud, Ávila and Abu Keshek were held in total isolation inside Shikma prison in Askalan during their detention. The group reported that high-intensity lights remained on inside their cells around the clock and that the activists were blindfolded during transfers, including medical examinations.
While the remaining members of the mission were held for 40 hours on the Greek island of Crete before being released, the Brazilian and Spanish activists were transferred into the Israeli prison system.
In a public statement, Global Sumud said the international response to the case reflected growing opposition to Israeli policies in the occupied Palestinian territories and reaffirmed its commitment to campaigning for the release of Palestinian prisoners and political detainees.
The organization said it would continue international mobilizations against the blockade on Gaza and in support of Palestinian prisoners. “We demand accountability for Israeli crimes and their accomplices. End the blockade! End the genocide! Free Palestine!” the organization stated.
Author: MK
Source: A Mayadeen / Global Sumud Flotilla
