Israeli authorities said Abu Keshek was suspected of affiliation with what they described as a terrorist organization, while Avila faced accusations related to illegal activity. Both activists rejected the allegations, Reuters reported.
Spain and Brazil criticized the detention as unlawful, despite Israel’s Ashkelon Magistrate’s Court ordering that the two remain in custody until May 10.
Human rights group Adalah, which has been assisting in their legal defense, also argued that the detention violated international law. The organization stated that both activists were informed on Saturday that they would be released from security detention and transferred to immigration authorities ahead of their deportation.
“Adalah is closely monitoring developments to ensure that the release from detention is carried out, followed by their deportation from Israel in the coming days,” the group said in a statement.
Israeli officials accused the pair of offenses including aiding the enemy and maintaining contact with a terrorist group.
The activists were among participants in the second Global Sumud Flotilla, which departed from Spain on April 12 carrying humanitarian aid intended for Gaza in an effort to challenge Israel’s blockade on the enclave.
The Gaza Strip has largely been governed by Hamas, which Israel and many Western countries classify as a terrorist organization. The war in Gaza began following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, a conflict that has since devastated large parts of the enclave and left much of the population displaced and reliant on humanitarian assistance that aid organizations say is entering far too slowly.