Israel Extends Detention of Gaza Flotilla Activists as Diplomatic Row Deepens

Mintesinot Niggusie

An Israeli court has extended the detention of two activists arrested aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, as legal and diplomatic tensions grow over the interception of the vessels in international waters near Greece.

The court approved a two-day extension for Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila, according to their lawyer and a court spokesperson. The pair are now set to remain in custody until May 5.

The activists were detained by Israeli authorities late on Wednesday after the flotilla was intercepted. More than 100 other participants aboard the vessels were transferred to the Greek island of Crete following the operation.

The flotilla formed part of a second Global Sumud mission, which organisers say was aimed at breaking Israel's blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian aid. The ships had departed from Barcelona on April 12.

The governments of Spain and Brazil issued a joint statement on Friday describing the detention as unlawful, adding to mounting international scrutiny of the case.

Israeli authorities had sought a longer extension of custody, citing alleged offences including assisting an enemy during wartime, contact with a foreign agent, and involvement with or support for a terrorist organisation, according to the legal rights group Adalah, which is representing the activists.

In a statement relayed through officials, Israeli authorities said personnel acted to prevent what they described as violent obstruction by the two detainees and maintained that all actions taken during the interception were lawful.

The case continues to draw diplomatic attention as proceedings in Israel proceed alongside parallel legal and political responses abroad.