Global Sumud Flotilla

Gaza flotilla activists deported from Israel after week-long detention

The two activists, who have been on hunger strike since their detention, were handed over to the immigration authority, which deported them.

Brazilian Activist Thiago Avila, who was detained aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, appears at a court in Beersheba, southern Israel May 6, 2026.
Thiago Ávila, who took part in a flotilla to the Gaza Strip, arrives for a remand hearing at the Magistrate’s Court in Ashkelon, southern Israel, after being arrested on suspicion of membership in a terrorist organization, May 3, 2026.

Gaza flotilla activists to be released from detention, deported from Israel

Vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted on international waters by the Israeli Navy, sail off the city of Ierapetra, on the island of Crete, Greece, May 1, 2026.

Gaza flotilla heads to Turkey after Israeli Navy's interception, detention of two members

Saif Abu Keshek, who took part in a flotilla to the Gaza Strip, arrives for a remand hearing at the Magistrate's Court in Ashkelon.

Court rejects appeal by Gaza flotilla activists, keeps them in detention until Sunday


Israeli court extends detention of two Gaza flotilla activists until Sunday

Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian Thiago Ávila were among the activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail last week in an attempt to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.

Saif Abu Keshek, who took part in a flotilla to the Gaza Strip, arrives for a remand hearing at the Magistrate's Court in Ashkelon.

Israel intercepts Gaza 'condom' flotilla, detaining nearly 200 activists, sparking backlash

Shir Perets discusses how Israeli officials conducted a combined operation to neutralize both the Global Sumud Flotilla itself and its explosive potential in the international narrative.

Activist Thiago Avila, a member of the Global Sumud Flotilla detained by Israel, sits at a magistrate's court to attend a detention extension hearing in Ashkelon, southern Israel, May 3, 2026.

Israel to detain two Gaza flotilla activists until Tuesday

Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila and Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, will remain in detention until Tuesday after the state requested a four-day extension for further questioning. 

Activist Thiago Avila, a member of the Global Sumud Flotilla detained by Israel, sits at a magistrate's court to attend a detention extension hearing in Ashkelon, southern Israel, May 3, 2026.

More UNWRA ties to Hamas, Global Sumud Flotilla details emerge

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs—the top stories, clear and concise. 

A vessel from the Global Sumud Flotilla, pictured April 12, 2026; illustrative.

Global Sumud Flotilla claim detained activist never meant to go to Gaza, was on 'observer boat'

Keshek was on “an observer boat which was never intended to go to Gaza,” the statement read, adding that he was “harshly beaten before being removed and isolated from the rest of the participants.”

Saif Abu Keshek, a leading member of the PCPA, a front for the Hamas terrorist organization, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Sinking the ‘condom flotilla’: How Israel took control of the Global Sumud Flotilla narrative

Israeli officials conducted a combined operation to neutralize both the Global Sumud Flotilla itself and its explosive potential in the international narrative.

Vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted on international waters by the Israeli Navy, sail off the city of Ierapetra, on the island of Crete, Greece, May 1, 2026.

Most Gaza flotilla activists disembark in Greece, Israel brings two in for questioning

Saif Abu Keshek is suspected of affiliation with a terrorist organization, while Thiago Ávila is suspected of illegal activity.

Detained activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, May 1, 2026.

Israel's arrest of Gaza flotilla activists a 'brazen violation of int'l law,' Mamdani charges

At the same time, the Trump administration condemned GSF, naming it a “pro-Hamas initiative and a baseless, counterproductive effort to undermine President Trump’s Peace Plan.”

CCTV footage from IDF interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, May 1, 2026.

Spain reportedly summons Israeli chargé d'affaires as protests erupt over Gaza flotilla seizure

Protests erupted in Barcelona after Israel intercepted the Gaza-bound flotilla, which also led Spain to summon Israel's chargé d'affaires, Dana Erlich, in response to the detentions.

Protest against Israel's seizure of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla in Barcelona, Spain, May 1, 2026.

Navy detains over 20 flotilla ships, 175 activists en route to Gaza Strip

Leading up to the reports of Israeli boarding, the activist ships were allegedly approached by Israeli fast boats "pointing lasers and semi-automatic assault weapons."

Boats taking part in a humanitarian flotilla depart for Gaza from Barcelona, Spain, April 12, 2026.