Jerusalem: Israel released on Sunday two activists of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, Brazilian Thiago de Avila and Spanish activist of Palestinian origin Saif Abukeshek, and deported them, following their extended detention. Their release came "after their investigation was completed," stated the Israeli Foreign Ministry on the US social media company X. The detentions had been extended twice by the Israeli judiciary.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Global Sumud Flotilla was attacked on April 30, near the Greek island of Crete, approximately 600 nautical miles from its intended destination, the blockade-ravaged enclave of Gaza. The flotilla's mission was to deliver humanitarian aid, with its first ships departing from Barcelona on April 12. The main fleet embarked from the Italian island of Sicily on April 26, aiming to challenge Israel's long-standing blockade of Gaza.

Israel has maintained a stringent blockade on the Gaza Strip since 2007, resulting in severe humanitarian conditions for the territory's 2.4 million residents. The situation in Gaza has been further exacerbated by an Israeli military offensive launched in October 2023, which has resulted in over 72,000 deaths, more than 172,000 injuries, and widespread destruction across the region.