Global Sumud Flotilla has welcomed the reported release of activists Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila from what the group described as “illegal detention” by the Israeli authorities in occupied Palestine.
In a statement shared on social media, the organisation called the development “a victory for solidarity,” saying that public, political, and diplomatic pressure from people around the world contributed to securing the activists’ release.
The group stated that international mobilization against what it described as injustice had intensified in recent days and vowed to continue campaigning for the release of all Palestinian prisoners and political detainees.
The statement also called for accountability over alleged Israeli crimes and urged an end to the blockade in Gaza. The organization repeated pro-Palestinian slogans including “End the blockade,” “End the genocide,” and “Free Palestine.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla is a global coalition of civil society organizations sailing to challenge what it describes as the illegal siege on Gaza and to deliver humanitarian aid to the territory.
According to the group, Israeli forces intercepted more than 180 civilians travelling on 22 boats in international waters near Greece over a week ago. The flotilla alleged that several participants were subjected to severe mistreatment during the operation, claiming activists were “brutalized from head to toe” by Israeli forces. Most of those detained were later released, while some reportedly required hospital treatment for injuries. Two participants — Saif Abukeshek, a Spanish-Swedish activist of Palestinian origin, and Thiago Ávila, a Brazilian socio-environmental activist — were taken into custody by Israeli forces and transferred to Israel following the interception.
Read more related news: Israeli Action Against Gaza-Bound Flotilla Draws Global Criticism