JERUSALEM: Israel on Sunday deported two foreign activists who were detained after being seized from a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla, in a case that a rights organisation representing them has condemned as a “punitive attack” on a civilian-led mission.
Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national of Palestinian origin, and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila were among a group of international campaigners travelling aboard a flotilla that was intercepted by the Israeli navy in international waters off the coast of Greece on 30 April, 2026.
According to reports, the vessel formed part of a broader attempt by activists to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian assistance to the besieged Palestinian territory.
The remaining participants of the flotilla were reportedly taken to the Greek island of Crete and subsequently released, while Abu Keshek and Avila were taken to Israel for questioning.
On Sunday, Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed their deportation, stating on social media platform X that “Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila, from the flotilla, were deported today from Israel” following an investigation. The ministry further emphasised that Israel would “not allow any breach” of the blockade imposed on Gaza.
The activists’ detention had drawn international attention, with Spain, Brazil and the United Nations all calling for their swift release. An Israeli court earlier this week rejected an appeal challenging their continued detention.
Human rights organisation Adalah, which represented the two activists, strongly criticised Israel’s actions following their release.
It stated that from what it described as their “abduction in international waters” to their “unlawful detention in total isolation” and alleged ill-treatment, the authorities had carried out what amounted to a punitive response against a peaceful civilian initiative.
“The use of detention and interrogation against activists and human rights defenders is an unacceptable attempt to suppress global solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza,” Adalah said in its statement.
The flotilla reportedly departed from ports in France, Spain and Italy as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla initiative, which aims to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to the territory.
A previous voyage organised under the same initiative last year was also intercepted by Israeli forces near the coasts of Egypt and Gaza, according to reports.
Israel has illegally maintained control over all entry points into Gaza since 2007, enforcing a blockade that it claims is necessary for security reasons.
However, during the ongoing conflict in Gaza that began in October 2023, humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned of severe shortages of essential supplies, with aid access at times being completely halted.
