Overview
- Israel deported Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila on Sunday after saying its investigation had concluded, days after the navy intercepted their flotilla off Crete on April 30.
- The two were taken to Israel for questioning while most of the roughly 170 others were brought to Crete and released, and they were later transferred to immigration custody for removal without public charges.
- Israel alleged Abu Keshek had links to a terrorist group and said Avila was suspected of illegal activity, which both men denied as their lawyers described the voyage as a civilian aid mission.
- Rights group Adalah said the pair were held in isolation under bright lights, faced lengthy interrogations, and launched hunger strikes, claims Israeli authorities rejected as they defended the detentions.
- The navy intercepted about 22 boats and around 175 activists in total, reigniting disputes over the Gaza blockade and drawing protests from Spain, Brazil, and the United Nations for investigations and accountability.