Thiago Avila and Saif Abukeshek are two leading activists in the struggle for Palestinian freedom and a fundamental part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, the largest civilian initiative to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza.

Thiago is a Brazilian activist that was also an international coordinator of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. In June 2025 he was a member of the crew of the Madleen, intercepted by Israel. After his arrest, he went on hunger strike in protest against the siege of Gaza and was deported to Brazil thanks to international pressure.

Saif, a Palestinian living in Barcelona, is one of the main coordinators of the Flotilla. As a spokesman he has denounced genocide and ethnic cleansing, pointing out that Palestinians are “starved to death” by Israel’s policy of blockade and repression.

We spoke with them during the Days for Palestine in Barcelona, shortly before leaving for Gaza.