Brazil: Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday called for the immediate release of activists detained by Israeli forces during a humanitarian mission to Gaza.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Lula emphasized that the detention of Brazilian citizen Thiago Avila, a participant in the 'Global Sumud' flotilla, by the Israeli government is an unwarranted action. In his post on the US social media platform X, Lula expressed his grave concern over the situation and urged international condemnation, highlighting that the interception in international waters constituted a breach of international law.

The incident occurred on April 30, when Israeli forces intercepted the humanitarian flotilla near the Greek island of Crete, approximately 600 miles (966 kilometers) from Gaza. Advocacy group Adalah reported that both Avila and Spanish national Saif Abukeshek have faced 'death threats' while being held in isolation under continuous 24-hour lighting conditions. The activists are anticipated to remain in custody until May 10.

President Lula, addressing the international community, stated that the Brazilian government, in conjunction with Spain, is demanding full security guarantees for their detained citizens and is calling for their immediate release.