Gaza artist paints portrait of detained aid flotilla activist Thiago Avila.

SHOTLIST: GAZA CITY, PALESTINE (MAY 10, 2026) 1. VARIOUS OF PALESTINIAN ARTIST, UBEYD EL-KIRSELLI, PAINTING PORTRAIT OF BRAZILIAN ACTIVIST THIAGO AVILA ON WALL 2. VARIOUS OF EL-KIRSELLI SPEAKING TO REPORTER (Arabic) 3. VARIOUS OF ARTIST PAINTING PORTRAITGAZA CITY, PALESTINE - MAY 10, 2026: Palestinian artist Ubeyd El-Kirselli painted a portrait of Global Sumud Flotilla activist Thiago Avila, who was detained by Israeli forces during the group’s attempt to break the blockade on the enclave. El-Kirselli said the portrait was not only a painting but also “a message of gratitude to everyone who has stood with Palestine.” The artist said the flotilla participants were carrying no weapons and had traveled only to support the civilians in need in Gaza. El-Kirselli added that he dedicated the portrait specifically to Avila after learning that the activist lost his mother during his detention period. He said the Palestinian people would not forget those who raised their voices in solidarity with Gaza despite risks and pressure worldwide. The artist also stressed that efforts to break the blockade should continue, saying he believes “one day the blockade will be broken.” Israel released on Sunday two activists of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, Brazilian Thiago de Avila and Spanish activist of Palestinian origin Saif Abukeshek, and deported them, following their extended detention. Their release came "after their investigation was completed," said the Israeli Foreign Ministry on the US social media company X. Their detentions had previously been extended twice by the Israeli judiciary. The Global Sumud Flotilla was attacked on April 30, near the Greek island of Crete, some 600 nautical miles from its destination, the blockade-ravaged enclave of Gaza. The flotilla's first ships, carrying humanitarian aid, left Barcelona on April 12, while the main fleet set sail from the Italian island of Sicily on April 26, aiming to break Israel's years-long blockade of Gaza. Israel has imposed a crippling blockade on the Gaza Strip since 2007, leaving the territory’s 2.4 million people on the verge of starvation. The Israeli army launched a brutal two-year offensive on Gaza in October 2023, killing more than 72,000 people, injuring over 172,000, and causing massive destruction across the besieged territory.