Jerusalem: Israel announced on Saturday that it had released most of the activists detained after intercepting a flotilla en route to Gaza, except for two who have been brought to the country for further questioning. The Foreign Ministry confirmed that naval forces detained two activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was attempting to break the blockade on the Gaza Strip.

According to Anadolu Agency, the two detained activists have been identified as Thiago de Avila, a Brazilian national, and Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national. Israeli media reports indicate that the two individuals will receive support from their respective consulates in Tel Aviv. The interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla occurred in international waters on Thursday, resulting in the seizure of over 20 vessels that were headed to Gaza with supplies, and the detention of approximately 175 activists.

A Turkish Airlines flight carrying 59 activists from various countries, including 18 Turkish nationals, arrived at Istanbul Airport late Friday after departing from Crete. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the blockade of the Gaza Strip, which Israel has maintained since 2007, resulting in dire humanitarian conditions for the territory's 2.4 million residents.

The blockade has been compounded by a two-year military offensive launched by Israel in October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of more than 72,000 people and widespread destruction in Gaza. Although a ceasefire was reached in October 2025, restrictions on aid entry and violations of the truce have persisted.