Israel deports 2 activists detained for leading an aid flotilla to Gaza

Israel deported two activists, Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila, on Sunday after detaining them for over a week for leading an aid flotilla attempting to break the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza. The activists, members of the Global Sumud Flotilla’s steering committee, were intercepted by the Israeli navy in international waters off Crete, hundreds of miles from Israel. The flotilla included 22 boats and 175 activists, with Israeli forces reportedly storming vessels, damaging engines, and detaining participants. The Israeli Foreign Ministry labeled the activists as 'professional provocateurs,' stating Israel would not allow any breach of the Gaza blockade. Abukeshek was suspected of ties to a terrorist organization, while Ávila faced charges of illegal activity, though no formal evidence was provided. Spain and Brazil condemned the detention as a 'kidnapping' in a joint statement, sparking solidarity protests globally. This incident follows a previous flotilla attempt last year, which included high-profile figures like Greta Thunberg and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela. Israeli authorities foiled that effort, detaining and later deporting participants, including Ávila, who alleged mistreatment. Separately, an Israeli airstrike in Gaza’s Khan Younis killed two Palestinians, including Col. Wessam Abdel-Hadi, head of the police investigation department. The strike targeted a vehicle in the Al-Amal neighborhood, with the Israeli military reviewing the incident. The fatalities occurred amid ongoing ceasefire violations, despite a fragile truce brokered in October. Gaza’s health ministry reported at least 850 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire, as Israeli forces continue airstrikes and targeted killings near military zones.