The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) is preparing to set sail again from Crete, Greece and Marmaris, Turkey, despite the continued detention of two activists on hunger strike and UN condemnation over torture allegations.
The mission’s persistence comes as Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila and Swedish-Spanish national Saif Abukeshek enter their seventh day of hunger strike in an Ashkelon prison. On May 5, Judge Yaniv Ben-Haroush extended the men’s detention for a third time, until Sunday, May 10, citing "secret evidence" withheld from the activists and their legal counsel at the Adalah Legal Center.
As a result, on Wednesday, May 6, Saif escalated to a dry hunger strike—refusing both food and water. This is considered a critical medical emergency, with the risk of organ failure or death occurring within 72 to 96 hours.
The United Nations called for the pair's "immediate and unconditional release" on Wednesday. UN rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan demanded an investigation into "disturbing accounts" of mistreatment, noting the men were seized in international waters and are being held without charge.
According to GSF statements, both men have been subjected to sensory deprivation through 24-hour high-intensity lighting, constant blindfolding, including during medical examinations, and death threats against themselves and their families.
In a further blow, GSF officials confirmed that Thiago’s 63-year-old mother, Teresa Regina de Ávila e Silva, passed away in Brasilia while her son was in custody. Israeli authorities reportedly denied Ávila the opportunity to contact her or say goodbye.
The two activists were among 270 participants detained last Thursday when the Israeli military intercepted 22 GSF boats in international waters near Crete. While all other activists were deported to Greece, Ávila and Abukeshek remain the only members still in custody.
Despite the interception, the flotilla continues to expand. Four vessels from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition have departed from Syracuse, Italy, to join 32 GSF boats docked in Crete waiting for instructions to depart.
Meanwhile, in Marmaris, preparations for additional vessels are complete, and activist training is ongoing. GSF has convened an international assembly in the Turkish port for May 9 and 10 to "reassess political strategy” before a scheduled press conference on May 11.
Organizers stated the movement’s trajectory remains unchanged as they wait for the coordinated signal to resume their attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
