An Israeli court has extended by two days the detention of two foreign activists detained after a Gaza-bound aid flotilla was intercepted, according to rights group Adalah. The order was passed on May 3.
The activists — Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian Thiago Avila — were brought to Israel for questioning after Israeli forces stopped the flotilla in international waters off Greece earlier this week.
The vessels, numbering more than 50, had set sail from France, Spain and Italy in a bid to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver aid.
During a court hearing in Ashkelon, prosecutors presented a list of alleged offences, including “assisting the enemy during wartime” and “membership in and providing services to a terrorist organisation,” a lawyer for the activists was quoted as saying by France 24.
Adalah confirmed the court ordered a two-day extension of detention.
Its lawyers challenged Israel’s jurisdiction, arguing the activists were unlawfully seized in international waters. They maintained the pair were part of a humanitarian mission and denied all allegations.
No formal charges have been filed so far, the group said, as reported by various international media organisations.
Israel’s foreign ministry rejected claims of mistreatment, calling them “false and baseless.” It said any force used was in response to resistance by the activists and was carried out in accordance with the law.
Spain has called for the immediate release of Abu Keshek, with its consul present during the court proceedings.
Israeli authorities have also linked the activists to the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, which they allege has ties to Hamas — a claim disputed by the defence.
Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza since 2007, with aid access remaining a contentious issue throughout the ongoing war.
