Brazil Condemns Israeli Interception of Gaza Aid Flotilla, Demands Release of Detained Nationals

Overview

• The Israeli navy intercepted more than 40 Global Sumud vessels in international waters off Gaza overnight, detaining hundreds and transferring many to the port of Ashdod.
• Brazil’s foreign ministry called the operation illegal and arbitrary, formally notified Israeli authorities, and pressed for the immediate release of Brazilian participants.
• Consular access was initially denied during the Yom Kippur holiday, with the Brazilian embassy saying visits to detainees would resume on Friday to verify conditions and provide assistance.
• Organizers and families report two Brazilians — Miguel Viveiros de Castro and João Aguiar — remain unaccounted for or incommunicable, while at least a dozen others are confirmed in Israeli custody.
• Israel says detainees are safe and will be deported, as demonstrations in Brasília and other cities urge their liberation and clarity on those still missing.