Jerusalem, Israel. Two activists detained after Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla last month are expected to be deported in the coming days following their release from security detention on Saturday, their lawyers said.
Detention following flotilla interception
Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, and Brazilian Thiago Avila were detained by Israeli authorities on April 29 and brought to Israel. They were part of a second Global Sumud Flotilla launched from Spain on April 12, which aimed to deliver aid to Gaza and break Israel’s blockade of the enclave.
Israel’s foreign ministry said Abu Keshek was suspected of affiliation with a terrorist organisation and Avila was suspected of illegal activity. Both denied the allegations.
Government and legal responses
The governments of Spain and Brazil said the detention was unlawful, but Israel’s Ashkelon Magistrate’s Court remanded both in custody until May 10.
Human rights group Adalah, which assisted in their legal defence and also said the detention was unlawful, said Abu Keshek and Avila were informed they would be released from detention on Saturday and handed over to immigration authorities’ custody until their deportation.
“Adalah is closely monitoring developments to make sure that the release from detention goes ahead, followed by their deportation from Israel in the coming days,” the group said. Israeli officials were not immediately reachable for comment.
Allegations and context
Israeli authorities held the activists under suspicion of offences that included aiding the enemy and contact with a terrorist group.
Gaza is largely run by Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist group by Israel and much of the West.
What do you think the deportation process will mean for future Gaza-bound aid flotillas?
