Published 05/20/2026 10:24 | Edited 05/20/2026 10:59
Brazilians Ariadne Telles, Thainara Rogério and Beatriz Moreira de Oliveira were detained and kidnapped this Monday (18) by the Israeli military after the interception of the Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla, which was heading towards the Gaza Strip with dozens of vessels and hundreds of international activists.
The operation took place in international waters and provoked diplomatic reactions from several countries, as well as criticism after the release of videos showing Israel’s supremacist Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, humiliating the mission’s prisoners.
According to the organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla, at least 430 activists from 44 countries were taken by Israel to its territory after the boats were intercepted.
The coalition claims that the mission aimed to break the naval blockade imposed on Gaza since 2007 and open a humanitarian corridor to deliver food, medicine and basic supplies to the Palestinian population.
Among the Brazilians detained are Ariadne Telles, a popular lawyer linked to the Brazilian Association of People’s Lawyers Gabriel Pimenta (Abrapo) and coordinator of Global Sumud Brasil; Thainara Rogério, who also has Spanish citizenship; and Beatriz Moreira de Oliveira, a member of the Movement of People Affected by Dams (MAB).
Another source linked to the mission also cites the arrest of a Brazilian pediatrician identified only as Cássio.
Global Sumud stated that the boats were approached by Israeli military ships during the early hours of Monday, in an operation described by the movement as “illegal and violent”.
In a statement, the organizers said they had “serious and immediate concerns” about the physical integrity of the detainees, recalling previous reports of torture, physical violence and psychological abuse against activists arrested in previous missions.
Ben Gvir’s video expands diplomatic crisis
The international repercussion increased after the release, by Ben Gvir himself, of videos showing activists kneeling, with their hands tied, while being provoked by the Israeli minister in the port of Ashdod.
The images generated a strong reaction from the Italian government, which classified the episode as “unacceptable”.
The Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, and Chancellor Antonio Tajani announced the summons of the Israeli ambassador to demand formal explanations about the treatment given to activists, including Italian citizens.
“It is unacceptable that these protesters are subjected to treatment that violates their human dignity,” Meloni and Tajani said in a joint statement. The Italian government also demanded a formal apology from Israel.
The episode also generated divisions within the Israeli government itself. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar publicly criticized Ben Gvir after the images were released.
In a post on social media, Sa’ar stated that his colleague had caused “conscious damage to the State of Israel” and classified the video as a “shameful spectacle”.
Itamaraty demands release and cites international law
The Brazilian government released a joint note with Bangladesh, Colombia, Spain, Indonesia, Jordan, Libya, Maldives, Pakistan and Turkey condemning the Israeli interception and classifying the detention of the activists as arbitrary.
The countries stated that attacks against peaceful humanitarian missions represent violations of international law and international humanitarian law. The text also demands the immediate release of the participants and calls for international protection for civilian missions trying to bring humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
Ireland also reacted to the episode after the arrest of Margaret Connolly, sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly. The Irish Foreign Ministry said it is working with the embassy in Israel to demand the release of the citizens involved.
Hunger strike and abuse allegations
The Al Jazeera network reported that at least 87 activists began a hunger strike in protest against the detention.
According to the organizers of the flotilla, the participants are protesting against what they call “illegal abduction” in international waters and expressing solidarity with the more than 9,500 Palestinians imprisoned in Israeli prisons.
Organizers also accuse Israeli forces of using rubber bullets during approaches to boats. Cynically, the Israeli Foreign Ministry, in turn, described the flotilla as a “publicity stunt in the service of Hamas”.
The United States government announced sanctions against four activists linked to the flotilla organization, accusing them, without presenting public evidence, of acting in support of Hamas.
Previous missions had already reported torture
The new interception comes a few weeks after another episode involving the same coalition.
At the end of April, Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila was arrested by Israeli forces during a similar mission in international waters near the Greek island of Crete.
After returning to Brazil, Ávila reported physical and psychological attacks during Israeli custody. According to reports released by his defense and organizations linked to the flotilla, he suffered beatings, isolation, deprivation of medical assistance and threats involving family members.
Global Sumud states that the successive interceptions demonstrate the continuity of the Israeli policy of preventing civilian missions that try to break the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, a territory that is facing humanitarian collapse after almost two years of an Israeli military offensive.c
Source: vermelho.org.br