Israel Deports Brazilian and Spanish Activists Seized From Gaza Aid Flotilla

Overview

• Israel deported Brazilian Thiago Ávila and Spanish‑Palestinian Saif Abu Keshek on Sunday, closing investigations launched after their flotilla was stopped in international waters near Crete.
• Ávila, routed through Cairo, was expected to land in São Paulo on Monday, according to his team and Brazilian media reports.
• Lawyers and the rights group Adalah alleged isolation, bright lights on 24 hours a day and blindfolded transfers during custody, claims Israeli authorities denied.
• Brazil, Spain and the United Nations had urged quick release, and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called the detention in international waters unjustifiable.
• The Global Sumud flotilla says it sought to deliver aid and challenge Israel’s Gaza maritime blockade in place since 2007, while Israel said it would not allow any breach and labeled the pair “provocateurs,” citing alleged organizer ties that Spain and activists say lacked public proof.