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Israel to Release Two Gaza Flotilla Activists for Deportation
Israeli authorities will release Brazilian activist Thiago Avila and Palestinian-Spanish activist Saif Abu Keshek from jail on Saturday and transfer them to immigration officials for deportation. The pair were detained after the Israeli Navy intercepted their boats near Crete on April 29 as they attempted to reach Gaza.
May 9, 12:05 PM·1m read3 sources
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Israeli authorities will release Brazilian activist Thiago Avila and Palestinian-Spanish activist Saif Abu Keshek from jail on Saturday and hand them over to immigration authorities for deportation, a rights group said. The Israeli Navy intercepted their boats on April 29 near the Greek island of Crete as the vessels headed toward Gaza in an effort to break the blockade on humanitarian aid.
Items including condoms and drugs were found on board the boats. Avila was accused of sexual misconduct on the boat but was cleared by an internal investigation. Both activists were taken to Israel and placed in custody following the interception. The pair will be kept in custody pending their deportation, the rights group said.
Israeli authorities have not commented on the planned release.
Avila’s lawyer told an Israeli court this week that the Brazilian activist had been on a fishing trip in Greece and never intended to break the Gaza blockade. Avila had been documenting his journey on Instagram.
Congressional Response Rep.
Rashida Tlaib sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday demanding the activists’ release. The letter was signed by other members of Congress including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
