The Freedom Flotilla Coalition welcomes the imminent release from Israeli detention of our colleagues Thiago Ávila & Saif Abukeshek, unlawfully abducted by Israeli forces from civilian flotilla vessels in international waters & held under punitive conditions for over a week.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition welcomes the imminent release from Israeli detention of our colleagues Thiago Ávila and Saif Abukeshek, unlawfully abducted by Israeli forces from civilian flotilla vessels in international waters and held under punitive conditions for over a week.
I woke up this morning intending to write an article about Israel’s refusal to release the last two Flotilla hostages—Thiago Ávila and Saif Abu Keshek—who were kidnapped by Israeli pirates on April 29 while in international waters, 500 nautical miles from Gaza. I was delighted to read on my news feed that Thiago and Saif, whom Israel accused of being Sumud Flotilla leaders, will be released today.
They Faced Torture and Inhumane Treatment
According to Adalah’s lawyers, who represent the hostages, both men were subjected to physical and psychological torture, including:
- Forcing them to sleep on their stomachs for 48 hours
- Threatening to throw them into the sea to be eaten by fish
- Exposure to extremely low temperatures at night
- Sleep deprivation through loud, continuous music
- Transfer to Israel, where their detention was extended by two days
- A second court hearing that extended their detention by six more days
- A hunger strike to protest their captivity and mistreatment
Thiago Ávila and Saif Abu Keshek were among 175 hostages kidnapped by the Israeli forces on April 29. The remaining 173 hostages were shipped the following day to Greece.
Their release comes amid UN condemnations of the detentions as unlawful, international protests from nations including Spain and Brazil, and Israel’s failure to justify its claim that the two men were affiliated with Hamas.
No International Outrage
I was struck by the hypocrisy of most Western leaders, who remained completely silent about the captivity of these peace activists. This silence is especially glaring considering that many of these same leaders—including U.S. President DJT and even Elon Musk—demanded daily for two years that Hamas release its POWs unconditionally. It is worth remembering that many of the Israelis held by Hamas were armed and in uniform.
A Message from Saif Abu Keshek
Saif’s message to the world is clear:
“We must continue to mobilize! Still, thousands of Palestinian prisoners are being held hostage in Israeli dungeons, subjected to inhumane conditions. We are one small step closer to a free Palestine, but our fight is far from over. We must continue to push against empire on all fronts!”
A heartfelt thank‑you was extended to Saif and Thiago’s legal team at Adalah and to all who mobilized and applied pressure at every level for their safe return.
Thiago named his infant daughter Teresa in honor of his mother, Teresa Ávila.
A Family Tragedy
Teresa Regina de Ávila e Silva, the mother of detained Brazilian Gaza flotilla activist Thiago Ávila, is pictured with her son Thiago, her granddaughter Teresa, and her daughter‑in‑law. She passed away in Brasília while her son remained in Israeli custody after being seized in international waters. She was 63.
The saddest part is that Thiago’s mother died while he was in captivity. The family instructed his lawyers not to tell him, depriving him of the chance to pay his final respects.
Thank You
The Global Sumud Flotilla sent this message today:
“A heartfelt thank you to Saif and Thiago’s legal team at Adalah and to all who mobilized and applied pressure at every level for the safe return of our comrades.”
Adalah, by the way, is the first non‑profit organization in occupied Palestine dedicated to defending the rights of Palestinian Arab citizens and residents in the occupied Palestinian territories (OPT).
Finally, I am personally grateful to the Columbus Free Press for publishing my three articles about the kidnapping and suffering of the Sumud Flotilla crews over the last ten days. Thank you for your unwavering support! X
https://x.com/gbsumudflotilla/status/2053353550915555421?s=20
Caption for additional photos:
- We have just received confirmation from the embassy that Thiago Ávila will be arriving in Cairo, Egypt, in a few hours!
Teresa Regina de Avila e Silva, the mother of detained Brazilian Gaza flotilla activist Thiago Avila, is picture with her son Thiagoo, her granddaughter Teresa, and daughter-in-law. She has passed away in Brasilia while her son remains in Israeli custody after being seized in international waters. She was 63.
Mahmoud El‑Yousseph is a Palestinian freelance writer and retired U.S. Air Force veteran. He writes on U.S. foreign policy, Middle East affairs, and justice. Email: elyousseph6@yahoo.com
