Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila, from Flotilha da Liberdade, has been on hunger strike since Sunday

Situation of the crew member of the “Madleen” vessel

The Brazilian government carefully follows the current situation of Nacional Thiago Ávila, who was aboard the sailboat “Madleen”, the Flotilha Liberdade coalition, intercepted by Israeli forces, with arrest of his crew, while heading to the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid items.

Embassies of Brazil in the region had been alerted to the presence of national on the vessel with a view to the poor provision of consular assistance, if necessary.

After interception, the Brazilian Embassy in Tel Aviv communicated with the local authorities to immediately provide consular assistance to the Brazilian activist. Also kept in touch with his family, transmitting updated information. In Brasilia, the Secretary-General of Foreign Affairs received the wife of Thiago Ávila, Lara Souza, accompanied by federal deputies Erika Kokay and Natália Bonavides and district deputy Fábio Felix.

With the arrival of the ship to Israel, consular agents of the embassy in Tel Aviv were highlighted to travel to the airport and accompany the National during the deportation process for Brazil. In view of his refusal to be immediately deported, the Brazilian activist was taken to the Israeli detention center. The Brazilian Embassy accompanied Thiago Ávila’s statement to the Judge of the Detention Review Court and continues to assist him.

By reiterating his firm condemnation of interception in international waters by Israeli forces of the “Madleen” vessel, in the act of transgression to international law, Brazil calls for the release of its national and Insta Israel to ensure its well-being and health.

In the context of a serious humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, where there is widespread hunger and malnutrition, Brazil deplies the continuity of severe restrictions, in violation of international humanitarian law, the entry of basic subsistence items in the state of Palestine.

Originally published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 10/06/2025