Israel to Release Two Gaza Flotilla Activists After Hunger Strike

TL;DR: Israel will release Spanish‑Palestinian activist Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila on Saturday, ending a hunger strike that started on Tuesday.

Context Two members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian convoy that attempted to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza, were detained by Israeli authorities after their vessel was intercepted in international waters off Greece. While the majority of the 170‑person crew were taken to Crete and released, Keshek and Avila were transferred to Israel for further questioning.

Key Facts - Rights group Adalah announced that the two activists will be handed over to immigration officials on Saturday and then deported to their home countries. - Lawyer Hadeel Abu Salih, who co‑represented the pair, told Al Jazeera they are expected to leave Israel within the next few days. - Both men staged a hunger strike during detention; Keshek escalated his protest by refusing water from Tuesday onward. - An Israeli court extended their detention until Sunday despite no formal charges, citing unproven links to terrorist groups. - Abu Salih described the abduction as a clear breach of international law and called the proceedings a “sham” aimed at punishing the activists for challenging the blockade.

What It Means The imminent release signals a shift in Israel’s handling of the flotilla case, possibly driven by diplomatic pressure and the activists’ deteriorating health. The episode underscores ongoing disputes over the legality of Israel’s maritime blockade and the treatment of civilian aid workers. International observers will watch how quickly the deportations occur and whether Israel adjusts its interception policy for future humanitarian missions.