Israel says two Gaza flotilla activists brought in for questioning

Israel has brought two activists from the intercepted Global Sumud Flotilla to the country for questioning, the foreign ministry said Saturday.

Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, and Thiago Avila, a Brazilian, were detained after Israeli forces intercepted the Gaza-bound aid flotilla of more than 50 vessels overnight from Wednesday to Thursday.

Who are the two flotilla activists brought to Israel?

Israel's foreign ministry said Abu Keshek was a leading member of the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, known as the PCPA, while Avila was also linked to the organization and "suspected of illegal activity."

The PCPA was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in January and accused of "clandestinely acting on behalf of" Hamas. Washington also said the group had played a role in organizing other Gaza-bound flotillas aimed at breaking Israel's blockade. Both men were to receive consular visits from representatives of their respective countries in Israel.

What happened to the other flotilla activists?

Israel said it had removed around 175 activists from more than 20 boats during the interception. Flotilla organizers disputed that figure, saying Israeli personnel had "kidnapped" 211 people. Dozens of activists disembarked on Friday at the Greek island of Crete, escorted by Greek coast guards.

Avila had also been among the organizers of a flotilla that attempted to reach Gaza the previous year, which was similarly intercepted by Israeli forces.

Did activists allege they were beaten during the interception?

Flotilla organizers published photos on X showing two activists with bruises on their faces. One participant said in footage that Israeli forces had "beaten" them several times.

Organizers also said the interception took place more than 1,000 kilometers from Gaza, that the equipment was smashed, and that the intervention left them facing a "calculated death trap at sea." Israel has not publicly responded to the specific allegations of mistreatment.

How did Hamas and other groups respond to the interception?

Hamas condemned the interception, alleging activists had been abused and assaulted, and urged rights groups to pursue legal action against Israeli authorities.

"We reiterate our pride in the international activists for their determination to continue their humanitarian efforts to break the siege on Gaza," Hamas said. The United States backed Israel's position, calling the flotilla a "stunt."

What is the background to the Gaza flotilla effort?

The flotilla set sail from ports in France, Spain, and Italy with the stated aim of breaking Israel's naval blockade of Gaza and delivering supplies to the Palestinian territory.

Israel controls all entry points into Gaza, which has been under Israeli blockade since 2007. The Gaza war broke out in October 2023 following a Hamas attack on southern Israel, since when critical supply shortages have persisted in the territory.

The Global Sumud Flotilla's first Mediterranean voyage in the summer and autumn of 2025 also ended with Israeli forces intercepting the boats and arresting crew members, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who was subsequently expelled.