Thiago Avila and Saif Abu Keshek, activists from the intercepted Global Sumud Flotilla, were freed from Shikma detention center in Ashkelon on Sunday, Israel's Foreign Ministry confirmed.

The pair, who began a hunger strike immediately after their arrest, was then passed to immigration authorities and deported to an unknown destination.

Adalah, a legal advocacy group, accused Israel of illegal detention of the two for more than a week, dating back to their seizure last Thursday.

The organization highlighted the activists' exposure to tough conditions and solitary confinement, despite the non-military intent of their sea mission.

Adalah lawyer Hadeel Abu Salih maintained that capture from an Italian-flagged vessel requires Italian legal oversight, labeling the hold as an international law breach.

Detained over alleged terror links

The Foreign Ministry noted suspicions against Spanish national Abu Keshek for connections to a terrorist group and against Brazilian Avila for unlawful conduct. The activists rejected all charges.

After the Israeli Navy stopped over 20 boats in the flotilla headed for Gaza, Avila and Abu Keshek remained the only ones under extended custody.