Global Sumud Flotilla/10 May 2026
Palestinian-Spanish activist Saif Abukeshek (centre) a member of the Global Sumud Flotilla, is escorted by prison service guards to a hearing at the District Court in Ashkelon, Israel, on Sunday, May 3, 20
A PALESTINE solidarity activist deported from Israel today has vowed to keep mobilising “for a free Palestine.”
Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish-Swedish dual national, and Thiago Avila of Brazil’s deportation was announced by the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
Mr Abu Keshek posted a defiant video following his arrival in Athens, Greece, pointing out that his comrades were still sailing with the Global Sumud Flotilla determined to get aid into Gaza.
“Mobilise in every corner of the world, on land and at sea, for a free Palestine,” he urged.
Israel attacked the flotilla in international waters near Greece on April 30, kidnapping 175 people but only taking Mr Abu Keshek and Mr Avila back to Israel for interrogation.
They both reported ill treatment by Israeli authorities — Mr Avila that he was beaten unconscious, while Mr Abu Keshek was reportedly forced to lie face down blindfolded on the boat all the way to Israel.
In his video, Mr Abu Keshek drew attention to the thousands of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, over 3,000 of whom are in “administrative detention,” having never been tried. These military orders can be renewed indefinitely.
“I am sure that the treatment I faced is nothing compared to the suffering they are going through,” he said.
Human rights and prisoner advocacy groups have accused Israel of systematic abuse of prisoners, including rape and setting dogs on them.
In March, Israel dropped charges against five soldiers accused of sodomising a Palestinian prisoner with a “sharp object.”
Footage of the notorious incident was leaked by former Israeli military advocate-general Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, resulting in her resignation and disgrace.
Peace and Justice Post 
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