Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila returned to his country after being deported by Israel, whose regime held him for eleven days for his participation in a Global Sumud Flotilla bound for Gaza, amidst growing diplomatic tension and accusations of violations of international law.
The member of the pro-Palestinian flotilla landed on Monday, May 11, at São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport, where he was greeted by activists chanting slogans in support of Palestine and holding banners demanding that Brazil sever relations with Israel. He called for the defeat of Netanyahu and Trump, whom he labeled “war criminals.”
Upon arrival, the activist told the media that he and the Spanish activist Abu Kashk had been subjected to “all kinds of violations” during their detention. He stated that Palestinian prisoners held in adjacent cells suffered even worse treatment.
In this context, the Brazilian pro-Palestinian accused the State of Israel of committing “war crimes” and reaffirmed his commitment to defending the Palestinian people. Ávila defended the legality of the humanitarian flotillas, and warned that more than 50 boats are preparing to set sail from Türkiye bound for Gaza. “I will participate in all necessary missions,” he stated.
The most recent flotilla, comprised of ships from Spain, France, and Italy, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, after which the activists were detained and subsequently deported. Among those arrested was also the Spaniard Saif Abukeshek, who shared a cell with Ávila during his detention.
Both activists were part of the second Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from Spain on April 12, 2026, with the purpose of delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and breaking the Israeli blockade that is suffocating it. The occupying forces intercepted the vessel, detained the two activists, and transferred them to occupied Palestine, while more than 100 activists supporting the Palestinian cause were diverted to the island of Crete.
Israeli authorities held the activists on charges of “collaboration with the enemy” and “contact with a terrorist organization,” charges they both categorically denied. They were released on Saturday, May 9, 2026, and handed over to immigration authorities for deportation.
At Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo, Brazil, Palestinian activists greet Thiago Ávila after his release and deportation from Israel. Photo: Brasil de Fato.
The Brazilian activist had already been arrested twice before for similar actions. The first time was in June 2025, when he was sailing to Gaza with Greta Thunberg. In October of the same year, he was arrested again and spent more than a week in prison before being deported.
Diplomatically, the governments of Brazil and Spain considered the activists’ detention “illegal.” Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned Ávila’s arrest, calling it “unjustifiable” and a “grave affront to international law.”
The Brazilian president has previously accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, which led to his being declared persona non grata by that country.
Meanwhile, activist groups in Brazil have called for stronger measures, including severing diplomatic relations with Israel. Mandi Coelho, a member of the Unified Socialist Workers’ Party (PSTU), indicated that during a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he raised the need to move toward stronger sanctions.
“Is it possible for us to begin moving toward severing relations, including Thiago’s return?” Coelho asked, also highlighting the institutional support provided to the activist’s family through consular assistance.
Regarding the maritime operation, Coelho stated that “22 boats were intercepted” and that some activists were arrested, while other vessels managed to continue their journey. “The flotilla continues today. The mission is still underway,” he affirmed, emphasizing the ongoing international mobilization.
This occurs within the context of the blockade that Israel has imposed on the Gaza Strip since 2007, amidst a progressively worsening humanitarian crisis in the enclave. In the Gaza Strip, nearly 1.5 million Palestinians have been displaced out of its 2.4 million inhabitants due to the massive destruction caused by the ongoing aggression since October 2013, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and injuries, and the widespread collapse of infrastructure and healthcare services.
IMAGE CREDIT: Pro-Palestinian activist Thiago Ávila was welcomed at Guarulhos International Airport by supporters of the Palestinian cause. Photo: EFE.
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
