An Israeli court has extended the detention of two Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotilla activists who were taken into custody by Israeli authorities last week, according to Israeli rights group Adalah, which is representing them.
The Ashkelon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday granted the state’s request to extend the detention of Saif Abu Keshek of Spain and Brazilian national Thiago Avila until Sunday, May 10, Adalah’s international advocacy coordinator Miriam Azem told Al Jazeera.
The pair were among dozens of activists who had set sail for Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off Greece on April 30.
Organisers said that of the 180 activists aboard the flotilla, most were taken to Crete, while Abu Keshek and Avila were taken to Israel for questioning, where they remain in detention.
Adalah was quoted saying that it would appeal the court’s decision, calling the ruling “judicial validation of the state’s lawlessness.”
The rights group said the detention extension was based on “secret evidence” that neither the activists nor their lawyers were permitted to review.
No charges have been filed against the two men, though they face allegations including affiliation with a “terrorist organisation” and contact with foreign agents, according to Adalah.
Lawyers representing the pair have argued the allegations are baseless and lack legal grounds.
Adalah also said the activists remain in isolation and are continuing a hunger strike, consuming only water since being detained on April 30.
