Israel Deploys Forces to Deport Two Activists from Gaza Aid Flotilla

Two foreign activists, Saif Abu Keshek from Spain and Thiago Avila from Brazil, have been deported by Israel after being held in the country for questioning. The pair were among a group of activists who sailed on an aid flotilla to Gaza in April, which was intercepted by the Israeli navy off the coast of Crete.

Abu Keshek and Avila were taken into custody along with dozens of other activists when their vessel was boarded by Israeli forces. They were initially held in Israel for questioning before being deported from the country on Sunday.

According to a statement from the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Abu Keshek is suspected of affiliation with a “terrorist” organization, while Avila is suspected of engaging in illegal activity. Both men have denied these allegations, stating that they were on a humanitarian mission to deliver aid to Gaza’s civilian population.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from France, Spain, and Italy, aimed to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and provide humanitarian assistance to the territory. The flotilla’s first voyage last year was also intercepted by Israeli forces off the coasts of Egypt and Gaza.

Spain, Brazil, and the United Nations have called for Abu Keshek and Avila’s swift release. An Israeli court rejected an appeal contesting their detention on Wednesday, with the rights group representing them describing the ruling as “unlawful”.

Source: Al Jazeera