Israel deports Spanish, Brazilian activists after Gaza flotilla detention

On Sunday, Israel expelled two activists after holding them for more than a week for their roles in an aid flotilla that sought to challenge the naval blockade of Gaza. The activists, Saif Abukeshek, a Spanish-Swedish national of Palestinian descent, and Thiago Ávila, a Brazilian citizen, were among many apprehended by the Israeli navy near Crete. Both serve on the steering committee of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which aims to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The Israeli Foreign Ministry labeled them as “professional provocateurs” and asserted that they would prevent any violation of the blockade. At the time of their detention, Abukeshek was accused of being “suspected of affiliation with a terrorist organisation,” while Ávila faced allegations of “illegal activity,” though no evidence or formal charges were disclosed. Spain and Brazil condemned the detentions as “kidnapping” in international waters. A total of 22 boats and 175 activists were intercepted, with reports of Israeli forces boarding vessels, damaging engines, and detaining individuals onboard. This incident unfolded hundreds of miles from Gaza overnight from Wednesday to Thursday.