Thirteen Brazilians Released from Israeli Detention
Thirteen Brazilian citizens, including Federal Representative Luizianne Lins of the ruling Workers' Party (PT), were released by Israeli authorities on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, after being detained for six days. The group was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international initiative attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Following their release, the Brazilians were transported to the border with Jordan and are now en route home.
Interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla
The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising approximately 45 vessels and carrying politicians and activists from over 40 countries, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, departed from Barcelona, Spain, last month. Its stated mission was to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza and deliver essential humanitarian supplies such as food, medical aid, and water to the Palestinian territory, where the United Nations reports a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters in early October 2025, detaining more than 470 individuals in total. Israel maintained that the vessels were approaching a prohibited zone and violating a lawful blockade, while the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Relations deemed the interception 'illegal and arbitrary'.
Diplomatic Efforts and Allegations of Mistreatment
Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Relations (Itamaraty) confirmed the release and stated that diplomats from the Brazilian embassies in Tel Aviv and Amman provided assistance to the activists. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had previously demanded Israel ensure the safe return of the Brazilian nationals, asserting that Israel had 'violated international law' by intercepting the flotilla.
Upon their release, some activists, including Luizianne Lins, reported being held for 'six days of illegal imprisonment'. Other participants in the flotilla alleged mistreatment during their detention, claiming they were 'treated like animals' and deprived of basic necessities such as sleep, food, and clean water. Israel has denied these allegations, insisting that the legal rights of all detainees were fully respected.
Return Home Underway
The 13 Brazilian citizens were transferred across the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge to the Jordanian border. They are now making their way back to Brazil, concluding an incident that drew significant international attention and diplomatic engagement.
11 Comments
Donatello
It's good that a diplomatic solution was found for the Brazilians, but this incident highlights the deep-seated issues and lack of trust in the region.
Leonardo
Israel's actions were a clear violation of international law. Unacceptable!
Michelangelo
These activists are naive. They're just pawns in a bigger game.
Raphael
Lula was right to call out Israel's illegal blockade. Solidarity!
Michelangelo
Glad these brave individuals are free. Gaza needs this aid desperately.
paracelsus
The activists' intention to deliver aid is commendable, though direct confrontation often overshadows the actual goal of helping those in need.
eliphas
Israel has a right to defend its borders. They warned them not to approach.
anubis
While the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is undeniable, Israel also faces legitimate security concerns that complicate aid delivery.
paracelsus
Claims of mistreatment are always exaggerated. Standard procedure.
eliphas
This 'flotilla' was a political stunt, not humanitarian aid. They knew the risks.
anubis
Why send a flotilla into a conflict zone? Just creating more drama.