Force Israel to Release Flotilla Humanitarians Thiago and Saif

I am writing to demand that you publicly support and protect the Global Sumud Flotilla, call for the immediate release of Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila, and demand an end to Israel’s illegal siege of Gaza. According to the Global Sumud Flotilla, more than 30 boats have now departed Crete and are sailing toward Marmaris, Türkiye, for a technical stop. This comes after Israel illegally boarded 22 vessels, abducted participants, and attempted to intimidate a civilian humanitarian mission. Yet the fleet remains intact and undeterred. Congress must recognize what this means: Israel’s violence did not stop the movement. It exposed exactly why the movement is necessary. The Global Sumud Flotilla is a nonviolent civilian effort to stand with Palestinians, challenge the siege of Gaza, and defend basic human rights when governments have failed to act. Greenpeace crew members aboard the Arctic Sunrise reportedly helped keep the mission alive through more than 50 technical operations, preparing ships, fortifying communications, and helping stabilize the fleet after Israel’s assault. That is humanitarian solidarity. It must not be criminalized. I urge you to demand: The immediate release of Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila. A real, permanent ceasefire. A definitive end to Israel’s illegal siege of Gaza. Absolute protection for civilian maritime missions. Accountability for violence against flotilla participants and for Israel’s war crimes and crimes against humanity against Palestinians. An end to U.S. military aid and political cover for Israel. The flotilla has also called attention to the nearly 10,000 Palestinian political prisoners and hostages held by Israel, many without access to a real justice system. Congress cannot keep pretending this is normal, lawful, or defensible. International law cannot be optional. If Israel can board civilian vessels, abduct humanitarian workers, enforce starvation, and attack aid missions while the United States continues funding and shielding it, then Congress is helping destroy the very legal order it claims to defend. The Global Sumud Flotilla is still sailing. Congress must stop siding with siege, abduction, and impunity. Support the flotilla, free Saif and Thiago, end the siege, and stop arming Israel.