Brasília (QNN)- Teresa Regina de Ávila e Silva, the mother of Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila, passed away on Tuesday, as her son remains abducted in Israel after joining a humanitarian mission to Gaza.
The news came from Brazilian media citing the Civil Police Union of the Federal District (Sinpol-DF), where Ávila’s sister, Luana de Ávila, serves as vice president. The union said Teresa Regina had faced a serious health condition in recent months. Despite this, she showed strength, calm, and dignity throughout her struggle.
Family, friends, and colleagues remember her as a woman full of warmth and resilience. They described her as deeply devoted to her family and always present for those around her. Her loss has left a profound emotional impact, especially at a time when her son’s fate has drawn international attention.
The death comes as global calls intensify for the release of Thiago Ávila and Saif Abu Keshek, who both remain held by Israel since Thursday, May 30. Israeli forces kidnapped them both in international waters while they took part in a humanitarian mission aimed at delivering aid to Gaza. Reports revealed that both peaceful activists were subjected to torture and abuse by Israeli forces.
Ávila joined the Global Sumud Flotilla, a coalition of vessels seeking to break the blockade on the Gaza Strip and bring urgent humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. The mission is peaceful and rooted in solidarity with civilians facing siege conditions.
His abduction has sparked outrage across Brazil and beyond. Many activists and officials have called his abduction a violation of international law, stressing that he participated in a civilian humanitarian effort.
