MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2 May 2026
The Palestine Solidarity Alliance condemns in the strongest possible terms the unlawful abduction, detention and reported torture of Global Sumud Flotilla activists Thiago Ávila and Saif Abukeshek by Israeli forces. The two activists were seized in international waters near Crete, Greece, on 30 April while participating in a humanitarian mission aimed at challenging the siege of Gaza and affirming the right of Palestinians to life, dignity and freedom.
The boats were in international waters more than 500 nautical miles away from the Gaza Coast. The Israeli Navy has no jurisdiction in international waters and its actions were therefore illegal and in breach of internation law.
Reports from Adalah lawyers and diplomatic sources indicate that both men were subjected to physical violence, blindfolding, isolation, prolonged stress positions, denial of due process and unlawful interrogation.
These actions are not isolated. They reflect the broader system of violence, siege, detention and dehumanisation imposed on the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza. The treatment of Saif and Thiago must be understood in the context of Israel’s ongoing genocide, occupation and systematic abuse of Palestinian prisoners.
The PSA demands the immediate and unconditional release of Thiago Ávila and Saif Abukeshek. We further call on the governments of Brazil, Spain and Sweden to act decisively to secure their release and to hold Israel accountable for violations of international law.
We call on South African civil society, trade unions, faith communities, political organisations and all people of conscience to raise their voices against these crimes.
Humanitarian solidarity is not terrorism. Breaking the siege is not a crime. The real crime is the siege, the genocide, the occupation and the silence of governments that allow these violations to continue.
We further call on the South African government to recognise that the only response to Israeli aggression and their systematic dismantling of international law and humanitarian agencies is full and total sanctions. We have through our own struggle against apartheid which included, armed resistance, sanctions and boycotts ensured a free and democratic South Africa for all. We should now act to demand nothing less for the people of Palestine and the entire region that Israel is invading and destroying. It is time to expel all Israeli diplomats and arrest all those who serve in its genocidal military regime. And it is about time that we legislate to hold to account those enemies of our state, the racist that propagate for the apartheid state of Israel and Zionism. In defence of freedom and democracy, justice and accountability are critical necessities.
The PSA stands in full solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla, with Saif and Thiago, and all the brave men and women who have made themselves available for this mission. The PSA will always stand with the Palestinian people in their struggle for freedom, justice and the right of return.
Free Saif Abukeshek. Free Thiago de Ávila.
Free the Humanitarian Aid
Stop the Bombing. Stop the killing
Free Palestine.
End the siege. End the genocide.
Sanction Israel Now.
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Issued by:
Palestine Solidarity Alliance
South Africa
PO Box 357, Lenasia, 1820
95 7th Avenue, Melville
Website: https://palestinesa.co.za
Email: info@palesinesa.co.za
social media: @psa_sa
@psa_yl Palestine Solidarity Alliance
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