Israeli occupation authorities deported two activists from the “Global Sumud Flotilla” early on Sunday after detaining them during the interception of a Gaza-bound aid convoy, a senior flotilla official said.
Youssef Ajjisa, a member of the flotilla’s higher committee, told the Palestinian Safa news agency that Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national of Palestinian origin, and Brazilian Thiago Avila were among dozens of activists aboard a flotilla intercepted by the Israeli navy in international waters off the coast of Greece on April 30.
The pair were seized by Israeli forces and brought to Israel for questioning, while the others were taken to the Greek island of Crete and released.
Ajjisa said the two activists reported being subjected to “systematic abuse and violations” during their detention in Israeli prisons.
He said the leadership of the international coalition was currently meeting in Turkey alongside representatives of the remaining vessels in the “Global Sumud Flotilla”, which he said includes around 70 ships preparing to sail towards Gaza despite Israeli threats.
Ajjisa called on solidarity groups and institutions to continue preparations for the upcoming mission, stressing that the Freedom Flotilla organisations would continue their humanitarian and rights advocacy efforts for Gaza.
