Israel has released two activists detained from the Gaza-bound aid flotilla known as the Global Sumud Flotilla and sent them back to their home countries. The released individuals are Thiago de Avila from Brazil and Saif Abukeshek, a Spanish activist of Palestinian descent. According to Anadolu Agency, they were freed on Sunday after being held for an extended period. Israel’s foreign ministry stated that the release followed the completion of an investigation, after an Israeli court had twice extended their detention.

The flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid, was attacked near the Greek island of Crete on April 30 while it was about 600 nautical miles from Gaza’s coast. The first ships departed from Barcelona, Spain, on April 12, and the main fleet began its journey from Sicily, Italy, on April 26. The mission aimed to break Israel’s long-standing blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian assistance.

Since 2007, Israel has maintained a strict blockade on the Gaza Strip, where around 2.4 million residents face severe food shortages. Reports indicate that more than 72,000 people have been killed and over 172,000 injured in Gaza since Israel’s military campaign began in October 2023.