Climate Action Network demands the immediate release of Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago de Avila

7 May 2026

Climate Action Network condemns the illegal interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters and the abduction of Palestinian-Spanish activist Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian activist Thiago de Avila by Israeli forces. Their continued imprisonment without charge, the reported abuse they have faced in custody, and the further extension of their detention are unacceptable violations of international law.

Both men are now on hunger strike, but Saif is refusing both food and water and his life is in immediate danger. The sudden passing of Thiago’s mother this week, without him being with her, adds to the tragedy of this situation. These activists acted because governments have failed to uphold international law, failed to stop mass atrocity crimes, and failed to protect Palestinian civilians from genocide.

The United Nations has called for their immediate and unconditional release, and for a full investigation into the disturbing reports of mistreatment in detention. The UN is right to do so. 

Climate Action Network stands in full solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla mission and with all activists risking their freedom and safety to break Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza. “Humanitarian solidarity and delivering aid is not a crime. Opposing genocide is not extremism – it is a moral and legal responsibility from which no government, institution, or person can claim exemption. There is no neutral ground in the face of such crimes. As a network fighting for a livable planet, we know that justice is indivisible: there is no climate justice without human rights” said Tasneem Essop, the Executive Director of CAN International.

For more than two and a half years, Palestinians in Gaza have faced mass killing, starvation, siege, forced displacement, and the systematic destruction of civilian life. The Global Sumud Flotilla represents a growing international refusal to normalise genocide, occupation, collective punishment, and apartheid. The attempt to criminalise those who resist or expose these crimes is part of the same machinery of impunity.

Climate Action Network calls for:

• The immediate and unconditional release of Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago de Avila
• Full accountability for the illegal interception of the flotilla and the abuse carried out in detention by the Israeli Forces
• An immediate end to the blockade of Gaza and safe passage for humanitarian aid missions
• International action, including sanctions, to end complicity with occupation, apartheid, and genocide
• Continued global solidarity in defence of Palestinian lives, dignity, freedom, and self-determination

History will remember those who stood against this genocide – and those who enabled it through silence, delay, and complicity.