Two aid flotilla activists hauled into Israeli court, detention extended

Two activists from a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla appeared in an Israeli court on Sunday following their detention by Israeli forces, with proceedings in Ashkelon extending their custody by two additional days for interrogation.

Saif Abu Keshek from Spain and Brazilian Thiago Avila were among dozens intercepted by Israeli naval forces while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which departed for Gaza on Thursday. While 168 participants were taken to Crete, these two were transported to Israel for questioning.

No formal charges have been filed, though both face accusations including alleged affiliation with a designated terrorist organization and contact with foreign agents. Their legal representation from Adalah, an Israeli rights group, argued the proceedings violate international law, contending there is no legal basis for applying these charges to foreign nationals operating in international waters.

About the treatment during detention: Lawyers visiting the activists at Shikma Prison reported severe allegations. Avila claimed subjection to “extreme brutality,” including being dragged across floors and beaten so severely he lost consciousness twice. Both men reported physical abuse, prolonged stress positions, and blindfolding during their time in Israeli custody. Avila additionally faced isolation and blindfolding upon transfer to the Israel Prison Service, while Abu Keshek described being bound, blindfolded, and forced into stress positions.

Both activists have initiated hunger strikes, though they continue consuming water.

Spain denounced what it characterized as the “kidnapping” of Abu Keshek and rejected the accusations against him entirely. Spanish officials emphasized that the detention and interrogation process violated international law from its inception.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized the activists as members of the Palestinian National Conference Abroad, which U.S. officials say operates under Hamas direction.

About the flotilla: The Global Sumud Flotilla conducted a previous voyage in August and September that garnered international attention. That mission concluded when Israeli forces intercepted vessels off Egypt and Gaza coastlines in early October, resulting in the arrest and deportation of crew members, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

About representation: Adalah has consistently represented flotilla campaigners across multiple missions, viewing the operations as humanitarian efforts to challenge Gaza’s blockade and as central to their Palestinian rights advocacy work.