1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

I am writing to demand that you immediately call for the release of Thiago Ávila and Saif Abu Keshek, the two Global Sumud Flotilla participants still being held by Israel after the remaining captive participants were released in Crete. The Global Sumud Flotilla is a nonviolent civilian humanitarian mission attempting to challenge Israel’s illegal siege of Gaza and deliver urgently needed aid. Israel intercepted these vessels in international waters near Crete, far from Gaza, then detained civilians whose only “crime” was trying to break a siege and bring attention to mass starvation, blockade, and genocide. Thiago and Saif must be released now. Congress must pressure Israel directly and demand that the State Department use every diplomatic channel available to secure their freedom, guarantee their safety, and ensure they have immediate legal and consular access. This is not only about two people. This is about whether international law means anything at all. Even if members of Congress continue supporting Israel’s war crimes in Gaza, allowing Israel to abduct civilian humanitarian activists in international waters paves the way for the dissolution of international law altogether. That will ultimately endanger everyone: people in Gaza, aid workers, journalists, civilians at sea, people in the United States, and people across the globe. If Israel can enforce a siege through starvation, attack humanitarian missions, detain civilians in international waters, and face no consequences because the United States protects it, then Congress is helping build a world where power replaces law entirely. I urge you to: Demand the immediate release of Thiago Ávila and Saif Abu Keshek. Demand proof of their safety, humane treatment, legal access, and consular access. Condemn Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters. Demand safe passage for humanitarian vessels attempting to reach Gaza. End U.S. military aid and political cover for Israel’s siege, blockade, and genocide. Humanitarian aid is not terrorism. Civilian solidarity is not a crime. Israel must release Thiago and Saif now, and Congress must stop shielding Israel from accountability.