Gaza flotilla activists from Spain and Brazil appear in Israeli court
Two foreign activists, Saif Abu Keshek from Spain and Thiago Ávila from Brazil, appeared in an Israeli court after being detained during the interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters near Greece. The flotilla, consisting of over 50 vessels, aimed to break Israel's blockade and deliver aid to Gaza but was stopped by Israeli forces who detained 175 people. The activists' legal representatives allege mistreatment during and after the interception, while Israel claims the two are linked to a group sanctioned for ties to Hamas.
- ▪Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla of more than 50 vessels in international waters off Greece, detaining 175 activists.
- ▪Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Ávila were taken to Israel for questioning and appeared in court in Ashkelon, where authorities requested a four-day detention extension.
- ▪Adalah, a rights group, reported that Ávila was beaten and lost consciousness twice during capture, while Abu Keshek was handcuffed and blindfolded throughout.
- ▪Israel's foreign ministry stated both activists are linked to the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, a group under US Treasury sanctions for allegedly supporting Hamas.
- ▪Spain has rejected Israel's accusations against Abu Keshek and condemned his detention.
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Saif Abu Keshek was part of a flotilla of more than 50 vessels that tried to reach Gaza to deliver supplies. Photograph: Amir Cohen/ReutersView image in fullscreenSaif Abu Keshek was part of a flotilla of more than 50 vessels that tried to reach Gaza to deliver supplies. Photograph: Amir Cohen/ReutersIsraelGaza flotilla activists from Spain and Brazil appear in Israeli court Court extends detention of two men who were among 175 people intercepted in Mediterranean on ThursdayAgence France-PresseSun 3 May 2026 05.02 EDTLast modified on Sun 3 May 2026 05.32 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleTwo foreign activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla who were brought to Israel for interrogation have appeared before an Israeli court, a rights group defending them has said.The flotilla of more than 50…
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