From Gaza to Buenos Aires: Celeste Fierro’s journey
Argentine congresswoman Celeste Fierro, from the Socialist Workers’ Movement (MST), was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international mission aiming to open a humanitarian corridor to Gaza and deliver aid amidst Israel’s ongoing siege.
On October 1st, the vessel Adara, which carried Celeste and other activists, was intercepted by the Israeli army in international waters, approximately 70 miles off the coast of Gaza. The flotilla was carrying humanitarian supplies and calling for an end to the blockade that has deprived more than two million Palestinians of basic rights, medical assistance, and freedom of movement.
Following the interception, Celeste and other members of the flotilla were detained and transferred to Ktzi’ot Prison, a high-security facility in the Negev Desert. She was held there from October 3rd to 7th, without formal charges, under conditions she later described as inhumane. During her detention, the group was denied access to lawyers, personal belongings, and contact with their families.
On October 8th, Celeste Fierro arrived back in Buenos Aires after being deported from Israel. Upon her return, she publicly denounced the lack of diplomatic action from President Javier Milei’s government, stating that there was no effort to protect the Argentine delegation or accelerate their release.
Fierro’s accusations also point to a broader political alignment. Since taking office, President Milei has strengthened ties with the Israeli government, moving Argentina’s foreign policy sharply toward unconditional support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has visited Israel, announced plans to relocate Argentina’s embassy to Jerusalem, and repeatedly framed Israel’s military actions as “a defence of Western civilisation.” This alignment has translated into diplomatic silence in the face of Israeli violations of international law and human rights.
The Global Sumud Flotilla—whose name means steadfastness in Arabic—brought together activists, parliamentarians, and human-rights defenders from around the world to break the maritime blockade of Gaza and call for accountability.
While their mission was violently repressed, it reignited international attention on the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and exposed the complicity of governments that remain silent.
The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views.
Celeste Fierro is a politician and activist from Argentina. Between 2023 and 2024, she served in the legislature of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA) as part of a rotation of positions by the Workers' Left Front. She participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which aimed to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip. On October 1, 2025, she was taken into custody when Israeli forces attacked the Flotilla. She was released a few days later.
