Following a multi-week investigation, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Gaza flotilla activists Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Ávila were deported from Israel
Archiv: Brasilien / Brazil
The Global Global Sumud Flotilla Demands Immediate Release of Political Prisoner Saif Abukeshek As Swedish Embassy Visit Reveals Threats, Abuse, and Deteriorating Health in israeli Detention
The international community must understand the gravity of this moment. israel is holding a Palestinian activist seized in international waters without charge, threatening his children and family, psychologically tormenting him during interrogations, and allowing his health to deteriorate during a dry hunger strike.
The Global Sumud Flotilla calls on:
– The Swedish government to immediately demand Saif’s release and publicly condemn his treatment;
– International human rights organizations and legal bodies to intervene before irreversible harm is done;
– Media outlets worldwide to expose the reality of what is happening inside the Shikma detention facility for decades;
– People of conscience everywhere to raise urgent public pressure for Saif’s release and the release of Thiago and all Palestinian hostages and political prisoners
– Accountability of all those involved in these ongoing abuses and crimes against humanity against Saif, Thiago and all Palestinians.
Israeli court extends detention of two Gaza flotilla activists until May 10
„I am convinced that there is reasonable suspicion,“ Judge Yaniv Ben-Haroush concluded after hearing parties‘ arguments in granting the extension.
Lawyers for human rights group Adalah had argued during the hearing that the allegations were baseless and there were no legal grounds for the continued detention of the two men.
They said no formal charges have been filed, and their detention was for purposes of ongoing interrogation.
Israeli court extends detention of 2 Gaza-bound flotilla volunteers
However, their lawyers argued that “the entire legal process is fundamentally flawed and illegal,” the statement added.
No charges have been filed against either activists and they remain under interrogation at the pre-indictment stage, the group said.
Israeli court extends detention of two Gaza aid flotilla activists by two days
Spain’s foreign minister on Saturday called for the immediate release of Saif Abukeshek, a dual Spanish-Swedish citizen of Palestinian origin, who was detained for questioning in Israel on Saturday along with Thiago Ávila of Brazil. A legal aid group said both men had launched a hunger strike. Dozens of other activists were picked up by the Greek coast guard following the Israeli action and taken to the island of Crete. (AP video shot by Ami Bentov)
Freedom Flotilla Coalition Calls for the Immediate Release of Global Sumud Flotilla Organizers
We are particularly alarmed by the risk of abuse they now face in Israeli custody. Past treatment of detained flotilla participants has included documented cases of beatings, coercion, sexual assault, and rape. Given this record, there are serious concerns that Saif and Thiago could be subjected to similar violations, including torture or other forms of ill-treatment.
The reported attempt to link Saif Abu Kishek to “terrorism” follows Israel’s well-established pattern of using baseless security allegations to justify the repression of Palestinians and those in solidarity with them. Such accusations must be viewed in light of Israel’s systematic discrimination and apartheid regime.
This incident is yet another example of Israel’s ongoing disregard for international law. The global community cannot continue to respond with silence and inaction. States have a legal and moral obligation to act to uphold the rule of law, to ensure accountability, and to bring an end to Israel’s unchecked aggression and crimes against humanity.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition stands in full solidarity with Saif, Thiago, and all those who risk their safety to defend freedom, dignity, and human rights.
Activists’ detention deepens Spain-Israel tensions as aid group says men have begun hunger strike
Spain’s foreign minister on Saturday called for the immediate release of an activist detained by Israel after an aid flotilla bound for Gaza was intercepted by the Israeli navy in international waters.
Saif Abukeshek, a dual Spanish-Swedish citizen of Palestinian origin, was detained for questioning in Israel on Saturday along with Thiago Ávila of Brazil. A legal aid group said both men had launched a hunger strike.
Two flotilla detainees arrive in Israel amid fears for Spaniard Abu Keshek
Israel has confirmed that Spanish activist Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian Thiago Ávila, detained during the raid on the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, are now in Israeli territory awaiting questioning. Spain deems the arrest illegal.
Comunicado España-Brazil sobre secuestro aguas internacionales
Los Gobiernos de España y de Brasil condenan en los términos más
enérgicos el secuestro de dos de sus ciudadanos en aguas internacionales
por parte del Gobierno de Israel.
Ambos se encontraban a bordo de embarcaciones de la flotilla Sumud,
interceptadas por fuerzas israelíes en aguas internacionales, y no fueron
liberados cuando se produjo la aprehensión de dichas naves ni tras el
posterior desembarco de los pasajeros y tripulantes en la isla de Creta.
Esta acción flagrantemente ilegal de las autoridades israelíes fuera de su
jurisdicción constituye un atropello al Derecho Internacional, susceptible de
ser invocado ante tribunales internacionales, y puede constituir un delito
en nuestras respectivas jurisdicciones nacionales.
Los Gobiernos de España y Brasil exigen al Gobierno de Israel el retorno
inmediato de sus ciudadanos con plenas garantías de seguridad, y que se
facilite el acceso consular inmediato para su asistencia y protección
Joint Statement by Spain and Brazil on Abduction in International Waters
The Governments of Spain and Brazil condemn in the strongest possible terms the abduction of two of their citizens in international waters by the Government of Israel.
Both were on board vessels of the Sumud flotilla, which were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, and were not released when the vessels were seized nor after the subsequent disembarkation of the passengers and crew on the island of Crete.
This flagrantly illegal action by the Israeli authorities outside their jurisdiction constitutes a violation of international law, which may be invoked before international courts, and may constitute a criminal offence under our respective national laws.
The Governments of Spain and Brazil demand that the Government of Israel immediately return their citizens with full guarantees of safety, and that immediate consular access be granted for their assistance and protection.
Flotilla Activists Beaten and Shot at by IDF, With 34 Hospitalised in Greece
34 wounded participants – including two Brits – have been taken to hospital in Crete, flotilla organisers said, with broken bones and other injuries. One participant was reportedly knocked unconscious for several minutes, while another has serious injuries to their neck. Several have broken ribs and noses, and some appear to be wearing blood-stained clothes.
Nearly 200 others are still being held on buses by Greek authorities, with the government accused of “cooperating fully” with Israel.
Turkish activist slams Israel’s illegal interception of Gaza aid flotilla, calls it ‘piracy’
Turkish activist Suayb Ordu says Israeli forces “kidnapped” Global Sumud Flotilla activists in international waters, calling it an “outright piracy.”
Ordu emphasised that they were subjected to torture and abuse by Israel, being forced to cram into containers and treated like “animals.”
On Wednesday, Israeli forces seized 22 Gaza-bound ships carrying humanitarian aid and detained over 180 activists, in what organisers from the Global Sumud Flotilla described as an act of “piracy”.
Global Sumud Flotilla Demands Urgent EU Intervention After Two Civilians Abducted and Disappear
(May 1, 2026)
Saif Abukeshek (a Spanish and Swedish national of Palestinian origin) and Thiago Ávila (a Brazilian national), civilian flotilla participants sailing under an Italian vessel, have not been heard from since the interception. Their whereabouts, legal status, and physical condition remain unknown.
First-hand testimony from participants reveals that Abukeshek was on an observer boat, which was never intended to go to Gaza, and was harshly beaten before being removed and isolated from the rest of the participants; he has not been heard from since.
There is credible reason to believe that both individuals may still be in or near Greek waters, potentially aboard an Israeli naval vessel. Despite the gravity of the situation, no authority has confirmed their location or whether they have access to legal counsel, consular support, or basic legal protections.
Most Gaza flotilla activists disembark in Greece, Israel brings two in for questioning
Saif Abu Keshek is suspected of affiliation with a terrorist organization, while Thiago Ávila is suspected of illegal activity.
Cuba’s alliances are crumbling in Trump’s world
Trump’s return to power is ushering in a new world order in which multilateralism and international organizations, starting with the United Nations, are in retreat.
Archiv: natural intelligence department – about neutrality No 2: a neutral country can be helped in defending itself against an invader without being in a war coalition.
(archive entries)
Spain joins with Latin America to criticise Venezuela military intervention
Spain, along with Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay, issued a joint statement on Sunday condemning unilateral military actions in Venezuela and calling for a political solution led by Venezuelans.
“We express our concern regarding any attempt at governmental control, administration, or external appropriation of natural or strategic resources, which is incompatible with international law and threatens the political, economic, and social stability of the region,” reads the press release.
Spain, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay condemn ‚dangerous precedent‘ set by US attack on Venezuela
The statement reads:
„We express our profound concern and rejection of the military actions carried out unilaterally on Venezuelan territory, which contravene fundamental principles of international law, particularly the prohibition of the use and threat of force, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. These actions constitute an extremely dangerous precedent for peace and regional security and put the civilian population at risk.
We reiterate that the situation in Venezuela must be resolved exclusively through peaceful means, by means of dialogue, negotiation, and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people in all its expressions, without external interference and in accordance with international law. We reaffirm that only an inclusive political process, led by Venezuelans, can lead to a democratic and sustainable solution that respects human dignity.
We reaffirm the character of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, built on mutual respect, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and non-intervention, and we call for regional unity, beyond political differences, in the face of any action that jeopardises regional stability. We also urge the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Member States of the relevant multilateral mechanisms to use their good offices to contribute to de-escalating tensions and preserving regional peace.
We express our concern regarding any attempt at government control, administration, or external appropriation of natural or strategic resources, which is incompatible with international law and threatens the political, economic, and social stability of the region.
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay reject outside ‘control’
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay in a joint statement expressed their “rejection” of US forces’ ousting of Nicolas Maduro as Venezuela’s president and “concern about any attempt at governmental control or administration or outside appropriation of natural or strategic resources”.
Security Council Debates United States–Venezuela Standoff, as Calls Mount for Restraint
Yet, while Chile does not recognize the legitimacy of the Maduro regime, that country’s representative rejected any armed activity that could risk regional peace and stability. She also underlined the imperative of respecting international law, which, Brazil’s representative observed, includes the UN Charter’s prohibition against the threat or use of force. The United States’ activities are generating tensions in a region characterized by “stability and peaceful coexistence”, added Colombia’s representative, warning that military escalation not only heightens the risk of a broader conflict but also undermines collective efforts to prevent conflict and promote regional stability.
“History demonstrates that the threat or the use of force invariably leads to greater human suffering and the erosion of the international legal order,” observed Mexico’s representative. He underscored that, regardless of the country or region involved, “dialogue and negotiation are the only legitimate and effective ways of resolving — in the long run — existing differences”. Urging all parties to act with restraint, he added: “It is exclusively up to the Venezuelan people to determine [their country’s] political future.”
Lula Government Pushes Back Against Milei Over Map Depicting Brazil as a Favela and Takes Aim at Argentine Poverty
Vieira said that „the map posted by President Milei needs an urgent update“ and presented data favorable to Brazil without directly mentioning Argentina. The minister highlighted that under President Lula, the country „is modernizing and addressing its social problems,“ has a „growing economy, the lowest unemployment levels, international reserves of US$ 360 billion,“ and has exited the Hunger Map.
Vieira also noted that Brazil has had a „stable currency for 30 years“ and does not owe „a single cent to the IMF,“ while a government source pointed to Argentina’s financial difficulties.
In 2024, Milei’s first year in office, poverty in Argentina surged to 52.9%, later falling to 31.6% in the first half of the year—still higher than Brazil’s 23.1%. The IMF extended a US$ 20 billion loan to the country.
Brazil‘s Lula, Argentina‘s Milei clash over Venezuela at Mercosur summit
resident Javier Milei clashed with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Saturday at the regional Mercosur summit about the fate of Venezuela, as US President Donald Trump ratcheted up the pressure on Caracas.
Sparring comments from Lula and Milei came at a meeting of the South American bloc, at which a future trade deal with the European Union was on the agenda.
Behind the Barrel: An Update on the Origins of Israel‘s Fuel Suplly
(November 13, 2025)
Table 1: Crude Oil Shipments to Israel –
November 1, 2023 – October 1, 2025
Origin Country
Crude Oil (in tonnes)
Number of Shipments
Turkey (Azeri) 7,146,417 61
Russia (Kazakh) 5,362,251 55
Gabon 2,288,858 21
Nigeria 1,112,229 12
Brazil 584,041 4
Republic of the Congo 391,602 3
Egypt 335,066 8
Democratic Republic of the Congo 326,210 3
Angola 132,142 1
Equatorial Guinea 79,400 1
Russia (Russian) 76,790 1
Ghana 68,364 1
TOTAL 17,903,370 171
Twenty-five states funnelled oil to Israel during genocide: Report
(November 14, 2025)
Twenty-five countries supplied Israel with crude oil and refined petroleum throughout its two-year genocide in Gaza, a new report has revealed.
An updated report by Oil Change International tracked a total of 323 shipments from 25 countries carrying nearly 21.2 million tonnes of crude oil and refined products to Israel between November 1 2023 and 1 October 2025.
Death toll in massive police raid on drug gang in Brazil rises to 119
Local activist Raull Santiago said he was part of a team that found about 15 bodies before dawn.
“We saw executed people: shot in the back, shots to the head, stab wounds, people tied up. This level of brutality, the hatred spread – there’s no other way to describe it except as a massacre,” Santiago said.
Castro said on Tuesday that Rio was at war against “narco-terrorism,” a term that echoed the Trump administration in its campaign against drug smuggling in Latin America. Rio’s state government said that those who had been killed had resisted police action.
Lula speaks out against US threats to Venezuela: „Brazil will be on the side of peace“
In a tepid message, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his commitment to peace on Friday in the face of regional tensions generated by the recent deployment of U.S. warships off the coast of Venezuela.
In this regard, he stated that the South American nation „will be on the side it has always been, on the side of peace,“ emphasizing that war only brings death and poverty.
„If there‘s a disagreement between two nations, there‘s nothing better or cheaper than sitting down at a negotiating table and talking,“ he added, reaffirming that Brazil neither has nor wants any international conflict.
Volunteers Aboard the Freedom Flotilla’s ‘Madleen’ Issue SOS Call
SOS! The volunteers on ‚Madleen‘ have been taken illegally against their will by Israeli forces. Pressure their foreign ministries and help us keep them safe!
FR:
E: alertes.cdc(at)diplomatie.gouv.fr & courrier.scec(at)diplomatie.gouv.fr
X : (at)FranceDiplo_EN & (at)francediplo & (at)jnbarot
FB : (at)France Diplomatie & (at)Jean-Noël Barot
IG : (at)francediplo & (at)jeannoelbarot
SP:
E: consular(at)maec.es
X (at)SpainMFA & (at)MAECgob
IG : (at)exteriores.maec
GE:
W: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/vi…
IG : (at)auswaertigesamt
FB : (at)Auswärtiges Amt
X : GermanyDiplo
BR:
Email : portal(at)itamaraty.gov.br
X : ItamaratyGovBr
IG : (at)itamaratygovbr
FB : (at)Ministerio das relacoes exteriroes
SW:
Web: https://www.government.se/contacts/
X : (at)SweMFA
FB : (at)SweMFA
IG : swedishmfa
TUR
X : (at)MFATurkiye
IG : (at)tcdisisleri
FB : (at)T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı
NED
X : (at)DutchMFA
IG : (at)minbz
FB : (at)ministeriebz