Spain urges Israel to release detained Gaza flotilla crew member

Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares expressed concern over the detention of Saif Abukeshek, stating that he was taken into custody without proper authorization. Abukeshek, a Spanish-Swedish national with Palestinian origins, was among activists detained during an Israeli military raid on a flotilla headed for Gaza earlier this week. He was subsequently transported to Israel for questioning.

Albares emphasized the need for Abukeshek’s immediate release, citing concerns over the “illegal detention” of the individual. The Spanish diplomat also noted that the arrest occurred outside of Israel’s jurisdiction, describing it as a “kidnapping.”

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that Abukeshek is a member of the Palestinian National Conference Abroad, which is allegedly linked to Hamas. However, Albares disputed this claim, stating that no evidence had been presented regarding Abukeshek’s alleged ties to Hamas.

Abukeshek and Brazilian Thiago Avila were among 175 activists detained during the raid on the flotilla. The two men have since been taken to Israel for questioning, where they are currently being held in Shikma Prison. According to reports from human rights organizations, both Abukeshek and Avila have reported experiencing physical violence and stress during their detention.

The Spanish government has condemned the Israeli actions, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez delivering a statement calling on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to release the detained individual. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups and governments worldwide, with Turkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeling it an “act of piracy.”

Source: Al Jazeera