Gaza Flotilla: Israel Extends Activists Detention as Global Condemnation Grows

An Israeli court has extended the detention of two activists by further two days, their lawyer confirmed on Sunday, after naval forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. Authorities arrested Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian Thiago Avila in international waters near Greece on Wednesday. While the military diverted over 100 other activists to Crete, they brought the two men to Israel for interrogation.

A court spokesperson confirmed the remand extension until 5 May, though the governments of Spain and Brazil issued a joint statement on Friday labeling the detention “illegal.” The activists belong to the Global Sumud flotilla, which departed Barcelona on 12 April to deliver humanitarian assistance and challenge the blockade of Gaza.

The Israeli government requested a four-day extension based on several serious suspicions, including “assisting the enemy during wartime, contact with a foreign agent, and providing services to a terrorist organisation,” according to the rights group Adalah.

Defense Denies Charges

Defense attorney Hadeel Abu Salih told Reuters that both men deny all allegations, arguing that the arrests were unlawful because Israel lacks jurisdiction in international waters. Furthermore, she clarified that the mission specifically targeted civilians. “The mission was meant to provide aid to civilians in Gaza, not to any militant group,” Abu Salih stated.

The attorney also alleged that forces subjected the men to violence and kept them blindfolded and handcuffed until Thursday. While the military remained silent regarding these claims, the Foreign Ministry dismissed the organizers as “professional provocateurs.” Officials maintained a firm stance on the maritime closure, stating: “Israel will not allow the breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza.”