Israel to release two Gaza flotilla activists ahead of deportation: rights group

Lead

Israel released two Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotilla activists from detention on Saturday, May 9, 2026, before handing them to immigration authorities ahead of their deportation, according to the rights group Adalah, which represented the pair. The activists, Spanish national of Palestinian origin Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian Thiago Avila, were among dozens intercepted by the Israeli navy while sailing with the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters off the coast of Greece on April 30. They were the only two detained for an extended period, with other activists taken to the Greek island of Crete and released, as reported by several outlets.

Coverage Comparison

The story was widely reported across international media, with coverage focusing on the release and subsequent deportation of the two activists. Al Jazeera and Dawn reported that the activists were abducted by Israeli forces, while BBC and Jerusalem Post used more neutral language, stating the activists were detained or seized. Jerusalem Post, in its coverage, noted that the activists were handed over to the immigration authority, which deported them, quoting the Israeli Foreign Ministry. South China Morning Post highlighted the Israeli Foreign Ministry's description of the activists as "professional provocateurs" and reported the interception of 22 boats and 175 activists, a figure that appeared only in that outlet's coverage.

Key Claims

• Deportation of Activists: Israel deported Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila on Sunday, May 10, after they were held for slightly over a week. The Israeli Foreign Ministry posted on X that the two, from the "provocation flotilla," were deported following an investigation, as reported by Al Jazeera, BBC, Dawn, and South China Morning Post.
• Detention and Interception: The activists were detained near Greece, and their flotilla was intercepted by the Israeli navy in international waters. BBC reported the flotilla comprised 22 boats and about 175 activists, while South China Morning Post stated they were intercepted off the coast of Crete. Other outlets, including Al Jazeera, Dawn, Jerusalem Post, and The Hindu, reported that the pair were brought to Israel for questioning, with others released in Crete.
• Accusations and Denials: Israeli authorities suspected Abu Keshek of affiliation with a terrorist organization and Avila of illegal activity, according to multiple reports. Both denied the allegations, stating they were on a humanitarian mission and that their arrest in international waters was unlawful, as reported by Al Jazeera, BBC, and Jerusalem Post.
• Hunger Strike and Conditions: Adalah claimed the activists were held in total isolation under punitive conditions, despite the civilian nature of their mission, and were on hunger strike. Abu Keshek refused water starting May 5. These claims were reported by Al Jazeera, Dawn, and The Hindu.
• International Calls for Release: Spain, Brazil, and the United Nations called for the swift release of the men, as reported by Al Jazeera, Dawn, and The Hindu. South China Morning Post noted that Spain and Brazil condemned "the kidnapping of two of their citizens in international waters by the Government of Israel" in a joint statement.
• Court Appeals: An Israeli court extended the activists' detention on Tuesday, May 5, and later rejected an appeal filed by their lawyers contesting the detention. This was reported by Al Jazeera, Dawn, The Hindu, and Jerusalem Post.

Perspectives

Adalah (Rights Group): Adalah, representing the activists, described the detention as unlawful and the accusations baseless, calling it a "punitive attack" on a civilian mission. The group claimed the activists were held in isolation and subjected to harsh conditions, and that their transfer to Israeli custody was a violation of international law, as cited in reports from Al Jazeera, Dawn, and The Hindu.

Israeli Authorities: The Israeli Foreign Ministry maintained that the activists were suspected of terrorist affiliation and illegal activity, and that Israel would not allow any breach of the "lawful naval blockade" on Gaza. The ministry denied claims of ill-treatment, as reported by BBC and South China Morning Post. Jerusalem Post quoted the ministry saying the activists were deported after being handed over to the immigration authority.

Activists: Abu Keshek and Avila denied the allegations, asserting they were on a humanitarian mission and that their arrest was unlawful. After his release, Abu Keshek recorded a defiant message from Athens, thanking his legal team and urging continued mobilization, as reported by Al Jazeera.