An Israeli court has extended by another six days the detention of two activists arrested aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla that was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters near Greece.
Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, and Brazilian Thiago Avila were detained by Israeli authorities last Wednesday and brought to Israel, while more than 100 other pro-Palestinian activists on the boats were taken to the Greek island of Crete.
Abu Keshek and Avila’s detention had initially been extended until yesterday, but the Ashkelon Magistrate’s Court extended it further until May 10. The activists were part of a second Global Sumud Flotilla launched in an attempt to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian assistance. The ships set sail from Barcelona on April 12.
Court documents show that Israel accuses Abu Keshek and Avila of offences including aiding the enemy, contact with a foreign agent and a terrorist organisation, prohibited activity involving a terrorist component, and providing means to a terrorist organisation.
Lawyers for human rights group Adalah had argued during the hearing that the allegations were baseless and there were no legal grounds for the continued detention of the two men.
They said no formal charges have been filed, and their detention was for purposes of ongoing interrogation.
Abu Keshek’s wife, Sally Issa, told Reuters yesterday she had not been allowed to speak directly to her husband since his detention, relying instead on information from the Spanish consul and lawyers.
“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.”
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares demanded Abu Keshek’s immediate release, saying there was no evidence linking him to Hamas.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva demanded Abu Keshek and Avila’s release, saying the Brazilian’s detention “is an unjustifiable action by the Israeli government, causes great concern, and must be condemned by all.”
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