In a surge of national and international concern, Brazil finds itself at the heart of growing global condemnation following the detention of Thiago Ávila, a prominent Brazilian activist, by Israeli forces. Ávila was aboard the humanitarian vessel Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, when it was intercepted by the Israeli navy in international waters en route to the besieged Gaza Strip. The ship’s mission was to deliver essential humanitarian aid—such as food, water, and medical supplies—and to show solidarity with Palestinians living under Israel’s genocide and 17-year blockade of Gaza.

The vessel carried 12 international activists, including Ávila and Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg. Their detention has ignited widespread condemnation and raised serious questions about Israel’s continued restrictions on humanitarian access to Gaza.

The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) swiftly responded, issuing a statement on Monday, 9 June, demanding the immediate release of all detained activists. The ministry reaffirmed Brazil’s support for the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters and called on Israel to comply with its international obligations as an occupying power, including the immediate removal of restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into the Palestinian enclave.

“Recalling the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters, The Brazilian government calls on Israel to release all members of the humanitarian mission detained during the interception of the vessel,” the statement said.

It also confirmed that Brazil’s embassies in the region remain on alert to provide consular assistance, if necessary, in line with........

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