• Israel has deported activists Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Ávila after detaining them over a week.
• The activists were part of a flotilla attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
• Spain and Brazil condemned their detention as unlawful, calling it a "kidnapping" by Israel.

Israel has deported two activists, Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national of Palestinian origin, and Brazilian Thiago Ávila, after detaining them for slightly over a week. They were taken into custody by Israeli forces following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza and was apprehended in international waters near Crete on April 30, 2023, according to Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post, and BBC.

Upon release, both men expressed gratitude towards their supporters and legal representation. Abu Keshek highlighted the legal team's efforts in a video posted on social media after arriving in Athens. Despite their claims of unlawful arrest and accusations of being linked to a “terrorist” organization, Israeli authorities maintained the legality of their actions, stating they will not allow breaches of the naval blockade on Gaza, as reported by South China Morning Post and BBC.

The activists were involved in a larger effort comprising 22 boats and around 175 participants aimed at delivering humanitarian aid. Activists and rights groups criticized Israel's actions as "unlawful" and a violation of international law. Spain and Brazil issued a joint condemnation of the situation, referring to the activists' detention as a "kidnapping" in international waters, according to Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.

Following the activists’ ordeal, the Global Sumud Flotilla issued demands for accountability from the European Union and Greece over their treatment, emphasizing the necessity for sanctions against Israel for ongoing violations of international law. Their detention also raised awareness regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which remains dire despite a fragile ceasefire that has been in place, according to Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post, and BBC.