Israel to Investigate Abuse Claims from Gaza Flotilla Activists

Two activists held by Israeli authorities without charge have been called upon to be released immediately by the United Nations. Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila, who were among dozens of individuals intercepted by Israeli forces while attempting to reach Gaza as part of a humanitarian aid flotilla, remain in custody.

According to UN rights office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan, the two men are entitled to immediate release. The statement also calls for an investigation into “disturbing accounts of severe mistreatment” of Abu Keshek and Avila while in Israeli custody.

The activists were among those who set sail on the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off Greece on April 30. Al-Kheetan stated that it is not a crime to show solidarity with the Palestinian population in Gaza, who are in need of humanitarian aid.

An Israeli court has extended Abu Keshek and Avila’s detention until May 10, during which time they have been on a hunger strike. The two men face several accusations, including affiliation with a “terrorist organisation” and contact with foreign agents. Adalah, the Israeli rights group representing them, claims that Abu Keshek and Avila have faced severe physical abuse while in custody.

Additionally, the flotilla announced the death of Thiago Avila’s mother, Teresa Regina de Avila e Silva, who passed away at the age of 63 in Brasilia. The Global Sumud Flotilla’s previous voyages to Gaza drew international attention before Israeli forces intercepted those boats off the coasts of Egypt and Gaza.

The UN has also called for an end to Israel’s use of arbitrary detention and “broadly and vaguely defined terrorism legislation”, inconsistent with international human rights law. Furthermore, the blockade on Gaza must be lifted, and sufficient humanitarian assistance allowed into the enclave.

Source: Al Jazeera