2 ‘Al-Sumud’ Activists Released After Intl Rights Pressure

DID Press: Two international activists from the “Al-Sumud” flotilla, detained after an Israeli naval operation against a humanitarian vessel bound for Gaza, have been released following mounting human rights pressure and several days of hunger strike.

According to a report by Reuters, the Israeli foreign ministry confirmed the release of “Seif Abukeshek,” a Palestinian-origin activist with Spanish nationality, and “Tiago Ávila,” a Brazilian environmental and human rights activist.

The two were detained on April 29 after Israeli naval forces intercepted the Al-Sumud flotilla in international waters and transferred them to Israeli-controlled territory.

Human rights groups say the vessel was carrying medical and pharmaceutical aid intended for civilians in Gaza when it was seized by the Israeli military and taken to the port of Ashdod.

Activists and legal observers argue that the interception occurred roughly 40 nautical miles from the coast, outside territorial waters, and therefore constitutes a violation of international maritime law.

The release follows sustained advocacy by rights organizations and international pressure calling for the activists’ immediate freedom.