Israeli Authorities to Deport Global Sumud Flotilla Activists Following Interception
Israeli intelligence officials announced on May 9 that two foreign activists, Thiago Avila and Saif Abukeshek, would be released from detention and handed over to immigration authorities for immediate deportation. The pair were leaders of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by the Israeli Navy in international waters while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. While Israel alleges the organizers have links to sanctioned entities, the Spanish and Brazilian governments have officially protested the detentions.