Flotilla activist Thiago Avila's mother dies as occupation holds son illegally

Flotilla activist Thiago Avila’s mother dies as occupation holds son illegally

Teresa Regina de Avila, the mother of well-known Gaza flotilla activist Thiago Avila – and a ‘mother of the movement’ – has died in Brazil. She was 63 and had been ill for some time. Thiago Avila is still being held illegally by the Israeli occupation after his humanitarian boat was violently pirated by Israel in international waters.

Teresa Regina de Ávila e Silva, Thiago’s mother, passed away in Brasília.

We express our deepest condolences to Teresa’s family and loved ones.

She was 63 years old, a woman of remarkable joy and great strength. She faced years of serious illness with courage, serenity, and… pic.twitter.com/YcgQHiYtJX

— Global Sumud Flotilla (@gbsumudflotilla) May 5, 2026

Avila, along with flotilla organiser Saif Abukeshek, have been tortured and severely beaten by their genocidal captors:

An Israeli kangaroo court yesterday, 5 May 2026, extended their illegal detention. His comrades and supporters are sending their sympathies and solidarity.