Israel — Ekhbary News Agency
Israel announced on Sunday the deportation of two activists, one Spanish and one Brazilian, who were detained while participating in a flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated via the 'X' platform that the activists, Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Ávila, were deported from Israel after investigations were completed, emphasizing that no breach of the blockade on Gaza would be permitted.
Activists Deported After Flotilla Interception
Abu Keshek, a Spaniard of Palestinian origin, and Ávila were among dozens of activists aboard the ships of the "Flotilla of Steadfastness" that was intercepted by the Israeli navy in international waters off the coast of Greece on April 30. Following the interception, Israeli forces took the two activists to Israel for questioning, while the remaining activists were transferred to the Greek island of Crete and subsequently released.
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International Calls for Release
An Israeli court had extended the detention of the two men to allow more time for police questioning, but a subsequent court rejected an appeal against the extended detention. Spain, Brazil, and the United Nations have called for the swift release of the activists. Israeli authorities denied mistreating them but have not pressed any formal charges. The flotilla, comprising over 50 vessels, had set sail from European ports with the aim of breaking the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip and delivering supplies.
