Israel Deports Two Activists Seized from Gaza-Bound Sumud 2 Flotilla
Israel has expelled two activists from the occupied territories following their capture by the authorities. These individuals were reportedly taken from the Gaza-bound Sumud 2 flotilla while it was in international waters.
Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish citizen of Palestinian descent, and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila were part of the several activists aboard the flotilla that was intercepted by the Israeli navy off the coast of Greece’s Crete island on April 30.
Israeli armed forces detained the duo and transported them to the occupied territories for interrogation, while additional individuals were sent to Crete and subsequently released.
In a social media video, Abu Keshek announced his arrival in Athens, Greece, expressing gratitude towards his legal team for their support.
In a video shared by the Global Sumud Flotilla on X, he expressed gratitude to all those who rallied support, extending thanks to the legal team Adalah, his family, including his wife and children, as well as his colleagues within the movement.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Abu Keshek was suspected of having ties to a “terrorist” organization, while Avila was under suspicion for engaging in illegal activities.
Both parties have categorically denied the allegations, claiming they were engaged in a humanitarian mission aimed at supporting Gaza’s civilian population. They argue that their arrest in international waters was unlawful.
Vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla embarked from France, Spain, and Italy with the mission to breach Israel’s blockade on Gaza, intending to deliver much-needed humanitarian assistance to the conflict-stricken Palestinian region.
The inaugural voyage of the flotilla last year faced interception by Israeli military forces near the shores of Egypt and Gaza.
The Israeli authorities maintain control over all access points to Gaza, a territory that has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007.
Since the onset of military operations by Israel in Gaza on October 7, 2023, over 72,000 Palestinians have lost their lives and at least 172,000 have sustained injuries, with a significant number of the casualties being children and women.
Additionally, the Israeli government has extensively damaged Gaza’s civilian infrastructure, encompassing hospitals, schools, sports facilities, power plants, water reservoirs, and residential neighborhoods.
Consequently, the residents of Gaza have been turned into refugees within the encircled area, wholly reliant on international assistance that infrequently reaches them due to Israeli blockades.
