JERUSALEM, May 9 - Two activists who were detained last month when Israeli forces intercepted the Gaza-bound flotilla they were travelling on are expected to be released from security detention and deported in the coming days, their lawyers said.
The men, identified as Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, and Thiago Avila, a Brazilian national, were taken into custody by Israeli authorities on April 29 and were brought to Israel following the interception.
Both activists were participants in a second Global Sumud Flotilla that set out from Spain on April 12 with the stated aim of attempting to breach Israel's blockade of Gaza by delivering aid to the enclave.
Israel's foreign ministry has said Abu Keshek is suspected of affiliation with a terrorist organisation and that Avila is suspected of illegal activity. Both men have denied those allegations.
Authorities in Spain and Brazil declared the detention unlawful. Meanwhile, Ashkelon Magistrate's Court remanded the two in custody until May 10.
Human rights group Adalah, which has provided legal assistance to the activists and has also said the detention was unlawful, reported that Abu Keshek and Avila were informed they would be released from detention on Saturday and transferred to the custody of immigration authorities pending deportation.
"Adalah is closely monitoring developments to make sure that the release from detention goes ahead, followed by their deportation from Israel in the coming days," the group said.
Israeli officials were not immediately reachable for comment.
According to the authorities, the two were held on suspicion of offences that included aiding the enemy and contact with a terrorist group.
Gaza is largely governed by Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist group by Israel and much of the West. Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel precipitated the Gaza war, which has left much of the enclave's population homeless and dependent on external aid - aid that humanitarian agencies say is arriving too slowly.
The lawyers, the governments of Spain and Brazil, and Adalah remain actively involved in the legal process as the activists await transfer to immigration custody and subsequent deportation in the coming days, according to the statements relayed by the defence group.
Summary of current status
- Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila were detained on April 29 after the interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla launched on April 12.
- They face suspicions including affiliation with a terrorist organisation and illegal activity, which they deny.
- Adalah and the governments of Spain and Brazil say the detention was unlawful; Ashkelon Magistrate's Court had remanded them until May 10.