World

Israel deports two activists detained over Gaza-bound flotilla

By Reuters Reuters
FILE PHOTO: 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. REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: 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. REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo Amir Cohen Reuters

Israel deported Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, and Brazilian Thiago Ávila on Sunday after completing an investigation into their participation in a Gaza-bound flotilla, the foreign ministry said.

Israel's foreign ministry said Abu Keshek was suspected of affiliation with a terrorist organisation and Avila was suspected of illegal activity. Both denied the allegations.

(Reporting by Tala Ramadan; Editing by Kim Coghill)

FILE PHOTO: Activist Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, 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. REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Activist Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, 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. REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo Amir Cohen Reuters

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published May 9, 2026 at 11:44 PM.

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