JERUSALEM/MADRID: An Israeli court has prolonged the detention of two activists detained from a Gaza-bound flotilla for an additional six days, following their arrest by Israeli forces in international waters near Greece.
Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila were taken into custody last Wednesday and transferred to Israel, while more than 100 other pro-Palestinian activists aboard the vessels were sent to the Greek island of Crete.
The Ashkelon Magistrate’s Court extended their detention until May 10, after it had previously been set to expire earlier in the week.
The two men were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which departed from Barcelona on April 12 in an effort to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s blockade.
According to court documents, Israeli authorities have accused them of multiple offences, including aiding the enemy, maintaining contact with a foreign agent and a terrorist organization, involvement in prohibited activities with a terrorist component, and providing support to a terrorist group.
“I am convinced that there is reasonable suspicion,” Judge Yaniv Ben-Haroush said while granting the extension.
Lawyers representing the human rights group Adalah argued that the allegations lack evidence and that there are no legal grounds to justify continued detention. They noted that no formal charges have been filed and said the detention is solely for ongoing interrogation.
Adalah stated it would appeal the ruling and push for the immediate and unconditional release of both activists. The group also alleged that the detainees had been tortured in custody — claims that Israeli authorities rejected.
Saif Abu Keshek’s wife, Sally Issa, said she has not been allowed direct contact with her husband since his arrest and has relied on updates from consular officials and legal representatives.
“They’ve told us that he’s in good condition. He’s hunger striking,” Issa said. “But he’s okay. He suffered from torture on the boat when he was attacked by the Israelis.”
Spain, Brazil Call for Release
Israel’s foreign ministry has alleged that both activists have links to the Palestinian group Hamas, describing the flotilla as “another provocation designed to divert attention from Hamas’ refusal to disarm.”
A spokesperson dismissed allegations of abuse as “false and baseless claims,” stating that any force used was lawful and in response to resistance by the activists.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares called for Abu Keshek’s immediate release, saying there is no evidence connecting him to Hamas. He also told his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, that the detention was незаконной due to lack of jurisdiction in international waters.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also demanded the release of both men, describing the Brazilian activist’s detention as “an unjustifiable action by the Israeli government, causes great concern, and must be condemned by all.”
“The detention of the flotilla activists in international waters had already represented a serious affront to international law,” Lula said.
Thiago Avila’s spouse, Lara Souza, said he has been on a hunger strike for six days and is under medical observation.
“He’s better from the injuries, but he is very weak, and the embassy is very worried about this,” she said.
Due to the hunger strikes, the court instructed Israel’s Prison Service to closely monitor the detainees’ medical condition.
