Israeli court extends detention of two Gaza flotilla activists until May 10

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 ​Tuesday 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 organization, prohibited activity involving a terrorist component, and providing means to a terrorist organization. “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.” Israel’s foreign ministry has said that Abu Keshek and Avila are linked to Palestinian militant group ​Hamas, and that the flotilla “is another ​provocation designed to divert attention ⁠from Hamas’ refusal to disarm”.

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A ministry spokesperson denied “false and baseless claims” of torture. “Following violent physical obstruction by Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila against Israeli staff members, staff were compelled to act in order ​to stop these actions. All measures taken were in accordance with the law,” the spokesperson said.

Spanish Foreign ​Minister Jose Manuel ⁠Albares demanded Abu Keshek’s immediate release, saying there was no evidence linking him to Hamas. Albares said he had personally told his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, that the activists’ detention was illegal because Israel lacked jurisdiction in international waters.Avila’s spouse, Lara Souza, said her husband was on the sixth ⁠day of ​a hunger strike and was being monitored by doctors. “He’s better from the injuries, but ​he is very weak, and the embassy is very worried about this,” she said. Due to the hunger strikes, the court ordered Israel’s Prison Service to monitor the detainees’ medical ​condition.

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