Gaza flotilla activists deported from Israel after week-long detention

The Jerusalem Post reports on the deportation of two activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, Thiago Avila and Saif Abu Keshek, after their detention by Israeli forces. The activists, who were on a hunger strike, were handed over to immigration authorities and deported from Israel.

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The two activists, who have been on hunger strike since their detention, were handed over to the immigration authority, which deported them to an undisclosed location.

Israel's Foreign Ministry stated that Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, was suspected of affiliation with a terrorist organization, while Brazilian Avila was suspected of illegal activity. Both denied the allegations. Their detention and subsequent deportation highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding maritime aid convoys attempting to reach Gaza and Israel's security measures.

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Adalah claimed that Avila and Abu Keshek have been unlawfully held by Israel for over a week since they were taken into custody last Thursday.

The Adalah Center, representing the activists, claimed their detention was unlawful and occurred under harsh conditions. Attorney Hadeel Abu Salih argued that detention from a vessel flying the Italian flag should fall under Italian jurisdiction, calling the actions a violation of international law. This perspective emphasizes the legal and human rights arguments raised by the activists' supporters, contrasting with Israel's security justifications. The differing viewpoints underscore the complex and contentious nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and international involvement.

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The organization also claimed that the pair was held under harsh conditions and isolation despite the 'clearly civilian nature' of their expedition.