Israel Releases Two Gaza Flotilla Activists Ahead of Deportation

Israel released two foreign activists, Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national of Palestinian origin, and Brazilian Thiago Avila, from detention on May 9, 2026, ahead of their deportation, the rights group Adalah said. The pair were detained after the Israeli Navy intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters off Greece on April 30 and transferred them to Israel for questioning, while other activists were returned to Crete and released.

Adalah confirmed that Israeli intelligence informed its legal team of the release from detention and transfer to immigration authorities pending deportation, following an appeal against a May 5 court order extending their detention until May 10. The group stated both men were held in isolation under punitive conditions, had been on hunger strike, and that Abu Keshek had refused water since May 5, allegations Israel has not publicly addressed beyond denying abuse claims.

Israeli authorities have accused the two of assisting the enemy during wartime and membership in a group linked to Hamas, specifically the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, which the U.S. says operates on behalf of the militant group. No formal charges have been filed, and Spain, Brazil, and the United Nations had called for their immediate release.

The flotilla, launched from France, Spain, and Italy, aimed to break Israel's blockade of Gaza, which has controlled all entry points to the territory since 2007. Adalah said it is monitoring the deportation process to ensure compliance with legal procedures. The Israeli immigration authorities will oversee the final stage of their removal from the country.