Freedom for Flotilla activists; freedom for Palestine
JVL Introduction
Israel has intercepted the current flotilla that, like all previous flotillas, is simply trying to break the illegal siege, take aid – and solidarity – to the people of Gaza and to raise awareness of the ongoing suffering endured by the people more than 6 months on from the so called “ceasefire”. During this time, Israel has killed more than 800 Gazans and taken control of more and more of their land. This time Israel’s forces “intercepted” the boats c 1,000 kilometres from Israeli or Gazan waters.
Here Kevin Ovendon (one of the key organisers of the flotilla led by the Mavi Marmara in 2010) outlines what happened and the need to mobilise. “Israel – with the full support of the US…has seized 180 foreign nationals from international waters, smashed aid and boats, beaten and mistreated them, kidnapped two of their number (Saif Abukeshek and Thiagio Avila), to subject them to torture 1,000 kilometres away and threatens to do the same to remaining ships that are gathering elsewhere.”
Where is the international community? “Thiagio is a Brazilian citizen and his embassy has reported that he has been badly beaten and forcibly interrogated by Israel’s Shin Bet internal security. Similarly with Saif, a Palestinian with Spanish and Swedish nationality. They likely now face further mistreatment and torture. It is urgent to demand their release and wellbeing now.” Spanish leaders have demand Saif’s release.
Israel is determined to thwart every effort to remind the world about the people of Gaza and we must be equally determined not to allow them to succeed. It is Israel that must be isolated and not these courageous solidarity activists.
LL
This article was originally published by Counterfire on Mon 4 May 2026. Read the original here.
Free flotilla activists – isolate piratical Israel
The attack in international waters off Crete, the violent assault and arrest – including the kidnapping and torture of two participants – of flotilla members indicates Israel’s growing spread of military operations. Kevin Ovenden, a veteran of the Mavi Marmara flotilla in 2010, gives an overview of events and the way forward
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Thiago Avila wrote this to his daughter from jail: “Dear Teresa, I’m sorry for not being home with you right now. Unfortunately your father, your mother, and so many people around the world understood the historical task that we have the responsibility to fulfil. Today over a million children are suffering a genocide, being starved to death, being amputated without anesthesia, and suffering from horrific, hateful ideas, despite not knowing what Zionism and Imperialism is. I’m sure you miss me too much and all the mothers and fathers of Palestinian children also miss them so much and would give anything to live a life of love, happiness, and joy that every human being deserves, independently of race, religion, ethnicity or any other characteristic. Your world will be safer because many parents decided to give everything to build this better world for you. I hope someday you understand that because I love you so much there was nothing more dangerous for you and for other children than living in a world that accepts genocide. Please remember your father as the person that would sing to you and play the guitar for you to sleep. And when you grow up your mom will also tell you that your father was a revolutionary and that even when facing the most horrific people alive – Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Itamar Ben-Gvir – he stood firm to the belief of building a better world.
Please do not forget Palestine!
With all my love, Thiago Ávila.”