Israel deported two activists, Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, and Brazilian ​Thiago Avila, on Sunday after arresting ‌them aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters, the foreign ministry said.

The activists were part of a ​second Global Sumud Flotilla launched from Spain ​on April 12 to try to break ⁠Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza by delivering aid ​to the enclave.

They were detained by Israeli authorities ​on April 29 and brought to Israel.

Israel’s foreign ministry said Abu Keshek was suspected of affiliation with a ​terrorist organisation and Avila was suspected of ​illegal activity; both denied the allegations, saying they were ‌on ⁠a humanitarian mission for Gaza’s civilian population and that their arrest in international waters was unlawful.

Gaza is largely run by the Hamas group, ​which has ⁠been designated as a terrorist group by Israel.