Israel has deported two activists from the occupied territories who had been abducted by the regime from the Gaza-bound Sumud 2 flotilla in international waters.

Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national of Palestinian origin, and Brazilian Thiago Avila were among dozens of activists sailing with the flotilla when it was intercepted by the Israeli navy off the coast of the Greek island of Crete on April 30.

The pair were seized by Israeli armed forces and taken to the occupied territories for questioning, while others were taken to Crete and released.

In a video shared on social media, Abu Keshek said he had arrived in Athens, Greece, and thanked his legal team.

“I want to thank everyone who mobilized, our legal team Adalah, my family, my wife and children, my colleagues in the movement,” he said in the video shared by the Global Sumud Flotilla on X.

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed Abu Keshek was suspected of affiliation with a “terrorist” organization, and Avila was suspected of illegal activity.

Both categorically denied the allegations, saying they were on a humanitarian mission for Gaza’s civilian population and their arrest in international waters was unlawful.