Israeli authorities are expected to request a six-day extension of the detention of two foreign activists as they face their second court hearing this Tuesday. The activists, Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian national Thiago Avila, are currently being held at a prison in Ashkelon after being intercepted by Israeli forces.
The pair were part of a larger group of activists aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla that set sail from France, Spain, and Italy. The mission's goal was to break the long-standing Israeli blockade of Gaza and deliver critical humanitarian supplies to the devastated territory. However, the vessels were intercepted off the coast of Greece early last Thursday.
The legal battle has intensified as the state attorney presents serious charges against Abu Keshek and Avila, including "assisting the enemy during wartime" and "membership in and providing services to a terrorist organization." In response, lawyers from the Israeli rights group Adalah have challenged the state's jurisdiction, arguing that the activists were victims of an "unlawful abduction" in international waters.
Adding to the tension, Adalah has raised alarming claims regarding the treatment of the detainees. According to the rights group, both men are on hunger strike and have been subjected to physical and psychological abuse. Reports indicate they are being held in isolation with constant high-intensity lighting and, in Avila's case, exposure to extremely cold temperatures. Adalah further alleged that the activists are kept blindfolded whenever they are moved outside their cells.
Israeli authorities have firmly rejected these allegations of abuse. Meanwhile, Israel's foreign ministry has linked both individuals to the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA), a group that Washington has accused of acting on behalf of the militant group Hamas. The ministry identified Abu Keshek as a leading member and suspected Avila of illegal activity.
This incident follows a pattern of intercepted humanitarian efforts; the Global Sumud Flotilla's inaugural voyage last year was similarly blocked by Israeli forces near the coasts of Egypt and Gaza. Since 2007, Israel has controlled all entry points into Gaza, and the blockade has led to severe shortages of critical supplies, a situation exacerbated by the ongoing war that began in October 2023.
Reference(s):
Israel to seek six-day detention for flotilla activists: rights group
cgtn.com
