Situation of Brazilian national aboard the vessel Madleen

The Brazilian government is closely monitoring the current situation of Brazilian national Thiago Ávila, who was on board the sailboat Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The vessel was intercepted by Israeli forces, and its crew members were detained while en route to the Gaza Strip carrying humanitarian aid supplies.

The Brazilian Embassies in the region had been on alert due to the presence of a national on board, in order to promptly provide consular assistance, if necessary.

Following the interception, the Embassy of Brazil in Tel Aviv contacted local authorities to immediately provide consular assistance to the Brazilian activist. The Embassy also maintained contact with his family, providing them with the latest information. In Brasília, the Secretary-General of Foreign Affairs received Thiago Ávila’s wife, Lara Souza, accompanied by members of the Chamber of Deputies Erika Kokay and Natália Bonavides, and Federal District Deputy Fábio Félix.

Upon the vessel’s arrival in Israel, consular officers from the Embassy in Tel Aviv were deployed to the airport to accompany the Brazilian citizen during the deportation proceedings to Brazil. Given his refusal to be immediately deported, the Brazilian activist was taken to an Israeli detention center. The Embassy of Brazil attended Thiago Ávila’s hearing before the Detention Review Tribunal and continues to provide him with consular support.

Brazil reaffirms its strong objection to the interception of the vessel Madleen in international waters by Israeli forces—an act in blatant violation of international law. Brazil also and calls for the release of its national and urges Israel to safeguard his well-being and health.

In light of the severe humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, where widespread hunger and malnutrition prevail, Brazil condemns the continuation of severe restrictions, in violation of international humanitarian law, on the entry of basic subsistence items into the State of Palestine.