Israel says it deported activists detained from Gaza-bound flotilla mission

Israel says it has deported two activists detained after the interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla. In a post on X, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila were removed from the country following the completion of an investigation.

“After their investigation was completed, the two professional provocateurs, Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Ávila, from the provocation flotilla, were deported today from Israel,” the ministry said.

It added that Israel “will not allow any breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza”.

The two activists had been detained after Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters on 29 April. Rights groups had previously accused Israeli authorities of unlawfully detaining the activists, adding that they were subjected to abuse.

After their investigation was completed, the two professional provocateurs, Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Ávila, from the provocation flotilla, were deported today from Israel. Israel will not allow any breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza.

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) May 10, 2026