Two Sumud Flotilla Activists Freed After Unlawful Israeli Detention
Released activist Saif Abukeshek says his own ordeal pales in comparison to the daily torture endured by thousands of Palestinian prisoners still held in Israeli jails.
Athens, PUREWILAYAH.COM — Two international activists detained by the Israeli occupation after the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla have been released and expelled from occupied Palestine, according to reports citing the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
The two activists, Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila, had been held by Israeli authorities since April 29 after occupation naval forces attacked the humanitarian flotilla in international waters and forcibly transferred participants to the occupied territories.
Both activists launched a hunger strike in protest against their detention and the conditions of their imprisonment.
Saif Abukeshek: “We Cannot Forget the Palestinian Prisoners”
Shortly after arriving in Athens, Saif Abukeshek delivered a powerful message highlighting the suffering of thousands of Palestinians still imprisoned by the occupation.
“I left behind me thousands of Palestinian prisoners, children, women and men,” he said. “I am sure that the treatment I faced is nothing compared to the suffering they are going through.”
Abukeshek said testimonies from detainees describe systematic torture and daily violations inside Israeli prisons.
“We have to continue mobilizing. We cannot forget the Palestinian prisoners,” he declared.
The activist thanked all those who campaigned for his release, including the legal rights group Adalah, his family, fellow organizers, and what he described as “the brave 180 persons” involved in the mission.
“I heard your voices. It gave me strength,” he said.
Abukeshek stressed that the struggle was far from over.
“We are not done yet. We have to continue until Palestine is free,” he said. “Our colleagues are still sailing. The people at sea are doing their part. Rise up on land in every corner of the world.”
UN Demanded Immediate and Unconditional Release
Prior to their release, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights called on the Israeli occupation to free the two activists immediately and without conditions.
UN spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said Israel had detained the activists in international waters and continued to hold them without formal charges.
He stressed that solidarity with the Palestinian people and efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza are not crimes.
The UN also called for an investigation into reports of severe mistreatment and urged that those responsible be brought to justice.
Flotilla Sought to Break Gaza Siege
The Global Sumud Flotilla departed from the Italian island of Sicily as part of its “Spring 2026 Mission,” aimed at breaking the Israeli siege of Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian population.
The convoy included 345 participants from 39 countries.
On Wednesday, Israeli occupation forces attacked the flotilla near the coast of Crete while it was navigating in international waters.
According to organizers, Israeli forces seized 21 boats during the assault. Seventeen vessels managed to enter Greek territorial waters, while 14 others continued toward the same destination.
International Campaign Continues
The Sumud Flotilla is part of a growing global movement challenging Israel’s blockade of Gaza and demanding unrestricted humanitarian access to the territory.
Despite the detention and deportation of some participants, the mission continues, with additional vessels and activists pressing forward by sea while supporters mobilize in cities around the world.
As Abukeshek emphasized upon his release, the campaign will continue “at land and at the sea for a free Palestine.” (PW)