Israel Detains Two Gaza Flotilla Activists in Abduction Incident

Two activists from the Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla, Saif Abu Keshek of Spain and Thiago Avila of Brazil, remain detained by Israel. The two men were among 175 activists intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off Greece on April 12. They have been on a hunger strike since their detention.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising over 50 vessels, set sail from France, Spain, and Italy with the aim of delivering aid to Gaza. The blockade of Gaza has been in place since 2005, and Israel tightened its control over the enclave on October 7, 2023.

Abu Keshek is a Spanish-Swedish national of Palestinian origin who has been involved in Palestinian solidarity movements across Europe for over 20 years. He was abducted from the flotilla off Crete on Thursday and transferred to Shikma Prison in Ashkelon. The prison has faced allegations of harsh treatment and torture.

According to reports, Abu Keshek was subjected to physical violence during his detention, including being kept hand-tied and blindfolded. Avila, a socio-environmentalist from Brazil, also reported experiencing extreme brutality during the seizure of the vessels.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez delivered a message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, stating that Spain would protect its citizens and defend international law. The incident has prompted protests and condemnation from rights groups and governments, including Turkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which described it as an “act of piracy.”

Source: Al Jazeera