Israel has deported two foreign activists detained aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla after Israeli forces intercepted the vessel in international waters.
The two activists were identified as Brazilian activist Thiago Avila and Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national of Palestinian origin. Both were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a campaign attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s blockade on the territory.
Israeli naval forces intercepted the flotilla near the Greek island of Crete in late April before the boats could continue towards Gaza. Organisers said the activists were detained and transferred to Israel, where supporters accused authorities of unlawfully seizing the vessel in international waters.
Rights groups and flotilla organisers criticised the detentions and described the deportations as politically motivated. The incident comes amid increasing international scrutiny over humanitarian access to Gaza following months of war and worsening conditions in the territory.
