Israel has deported two foreign nationals after an inquiry into their involvement in a Gaza‑bound flotilla. Israeli authorities have previously detained over 100 activists, accusing them of attempting to breach the naval blockade on Gaza, allegations many of those involved have denied.
Israel deported Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, and Thiago Ávila, a Brazilian national, on Sunday after completing an investigation into their involvement in a flotilla heading towards Gaza, Israel’s foreign ministry said.
The foreign ministry said Abu Keshek was suspected of links to a terrorist organisation and Ávila was suspected of illegal activity. Both men have denied the allegations.
The activists were part of a second Global Sumud flotilla, launched in recent months in an effort to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian assistance. The vessels had set sail from the Spanish port of Barcelona on 12 April.
The organisers, Global Sumud Flotilla, said several vessels were seized hundreds of miles (1,111 km) from Gaza, near the Greek island of Crete.
“Israeli military boats have illegally surrounded the flotilla in international waters and threatened kidnapping and violence,” the flotilla said in a post on social media.
"This is piracy," the group said in a statement. "This is the unlawful seizure of human beings on the open sea near Crete, an assertion that Israel can operate with total impunity, far beyond its own borders, with no consequences."
Reuters footage showed an Israeli military vessel transferring members of the flotilla crew to Greek boats, which then brought them ashore. Buses and an ambulance were seen waiting at the port.
Greece’s foreign ministry said 176 people disembarked in Crete. Thirty‑one were taken to a health centre for first aid, while the remainder were transported to Heraklion international airport to leave the country.
Israel’s foreign ministry described the organisers as “professional provocateurs” and said Israel would not permit what it called a breach of the “lawful naval blockade” of Gaza.
In a post on X, he added, "Our brave IDF soldiers are acting with professionalism and determination, dealing with a group of delusional attention-seeking agitators."
Two activists were detained by Israeli authorities, according to statements from both Israel and the flotilla organisers. They were identified as Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national of Palestinian origin, and Thiago Avila, a Brazilian national.
Spain’s foreign minister accused Israel of illegally arresting Abu Keshek and called for his immediate release. The governments of Brazil and Spain issued a joint statement describing the detention as illegal and a violation of international law.
Israel’s foreign ministry said Abu Keshek was suspected of links to a terrorist organisation and Avila of illegal activity, adding that both would be taken to Israel for questioning.
Flotilla organisers alleged on their Telegram channel that those detained were denied adequate food and water and forced to sleep on flooded floors aboard an Israeli naval vessel. They described the experience as “40 hours of calculated cruelty”.
They also claimed some activists suffered injuries, including broken noses and cracked ribs, after being kicked and dragged across the deck while their hands were tied as they protested the detentions. Photographs showing bruised faces were published. Israel has not commented on the allegations.
A source familiar with the operation said that while 22 boats had been intercepted, 47 others were still sailing off southern Crete and planned to anchor before attempting to continue towards Gaza. Each vessel is carrying food, medical supplies and other equipment, the source said.
The organisers said the intercepted boats were seized late on Wednesday in international waters off Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula, several hundred miles from Gaza.
The U.S. State Department warned it could impose consequences on those supporting the flotilla, which it characterised as pro‑Hamas. Activists dispute that description, saying advocacy for Palestinian rights is being wrongly conflated with support for militant groups.
A previous flotilla organised by the same group was halted by Israeli forces last October, with hundreds of participants detained.
Israeli forces detained more than 450 people, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. Some of those held later alleged mistreatment in custody. Tel Aviv denied these claims calling them "brazen lies." Israel later deported those detained during the operation.
Aid agencies say supplies reaching Gaza remain insufficient, despite a ceasefire agreed last October that included commitments to increase humanitarian access. Israel, which controls entry into the territory, denies restricting essential supplies.
Azerbaijan is stepping up efforts to strengthen its position as a regional hub for investment and connectivity ahead of the second Azerbaijan Inter...
Standing amidst the shattered concrete, twisted reinforcing bars...
Nigeria’s anti-drug agency says it has dismantled a methamphetamine production syndicate in what officials describe as the country’s la...
Iran and Pakistan discussed developments in stalled Iran-U.S. negotiations during a visit to Tehran by Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsen Raza Naqv...
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday (21 May), with both leaders di...
Nigeria’s anti-drug agency says it has dismantled a methamphetamine production syndicate in what officials describe as the country’s largest drugs seizure of its kind.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday (21 May), with both leaders discussing bilateral ties, regional developments and ongoing peace efforts in the South Caucasus.
After many years, reams of regulatory paperwork and a well-timed presidential visit, Tesla has finally launched its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in China, the world’s largest electric vehicle market and one in which competitors have been rapidly advancing their autonomous driving capabilities.
Officials and urban development experts at WUF13 in Baku examined how conflict, displacement and climate disasters are intensifying the global housing crisis and placing increasing pressure on cities worldwide.
Asian stocks surged on Thursday as some vessels resumed passage through the Strait of Hormuz, while forecast-beating results at Nvidia and a suspended workers' strike at Samsung Electronics lifted shares of chipmakers.
Day four of the World Urban Forum (WUF) in Baku brings a packed agenda on sustainable cities and the global housing crisis, with sessions on green housing, smart cities, public spaces and urban rights taking place on Wednesday (20 May) at Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan.
At least 21 people have been killed and thousands evacuated after torrential rain triggered flooding, landslides and transport disruption across southern and central China, with authorities warning that more heavy rainfall is expected along the Yangtze River.
The penultimate day of the World Urban Forum 13 in Baku will see Azerbaijan's Pavilion highlight post-construction efforts in Garabagh and East Zangezur, as well as host events on the future of Baku and architectural education.
Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya warned on Tuesday (19 May) that Moscow could retaliate against Baltic states if Ukraine launches military drones from that region. Latvia, the United States and Ukraine responded strongly during a UN Security Council meeting.
Azerbaijan is stepping up efforts to strengthen its position as a regional hub for investment and connectivity ahead of the second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum in Baku this September.
Iran and Pakistan discussed developments in stalled Iran-U.S. negotiations during a visit to Tehran by Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsen Raza Naqvi, amid Islamabad’s ongoing mediation efforts.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday (21 May), with both leaders discussing bilateral ties, regional developments and ongoing peace efforts in the South Caucasus.
Georgia’s parliament speaker has accused Britain of “blatant hypocrisy” after London quietly allowed Russian-origin oil products into the country - a move UK officials had reportedly urged Tbilisi to avoid.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in the Swedish city of Helsingborg on Thursday and Friday, diplomatic sources said.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment