Mother of Brazilian flotilla activist Thiago Ávila dies amid his detention in ‘Israel’

Teresa Regina de Ávila e Silva, aged 63, passed away on Tuesday, in Brasília, Brazil. Her death occurred while her son, prominent activist Thiago Ávila, remained in ‘Israeli’ detention following a raid on a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla.

Ávila participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla, a multinational effort aimed at delivering aid to Gaza and challenging the blockade.

‘Israeli’ authorities raided the vessels in international waters, approximately 1,000 kilometers from Gaza, around April 29-30.

Activists, including Ávila, were subsequently taken to ‘Israel’.

An ‘Israeli’ court extended the detention of Ávila and fellow activist Saif Abu Keshek until May 10 or 11, 2026, according to reports citing legal advocacy group Adalah.

The pair appeared in court in Ashkelon, where lawyers have argued that ‘Israeli’ jurisdiction does not apply given the location of the interception.

Appeals against the extension are anticipated.

The Global Sumud Flotilla organization described the timing of Teresa's death as an instance of profound cruelty. She passed away without the opportunity to see her son, who was denied the chance to bid her farewell.

The group highlighted Ávila's commitment to humanitarian principles despite leaving his ailing mother behind.

From Shikma Prison (also known as Ashkelo Prison), Ávila recently dictated an emotional letter to his young daughter, Teresa, explaining his motivations for joining the mission as a moral and historical responsibility.

Reports from lawyers and the flotilla coalition say that Ávila and others faced harsh treatment during and after the interception, including physical abuse.

Both Brazil and Spain have called for the release of their nationals. Ávila and Abu Keshek are said to have initiated hunger strikes while in custody.