Israeli court extends detention of two Gaza flotilla activiststwo Gaza flotilla activists
An Israeli court in Ashkelon extended the detention of two foreign activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla by four days on Sunday. Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian Thiago Avila were brought to Israel after their vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off Greece early Thursday. The flotilla of over 50 vessels aimed to break Israel's blockade of Gaza and deliver supplies to the territory.
Israel's foreign ministry stated the activists are linked to the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, a group sanctioned by the US for alleged ties to Hamas. Rights group Adalah reported the men described extreme brutality during seizure, including beatings and stress positions. Spain condemned the detention and called for Abu Keshek's release, while dozens of other activists were released in Greece.
Activists and Rights Groups
Adalah lawyers met the detained activists and reported harrowing accounts of physical violence by Israeli forces. Thiago Avila described being dragged face-down, beaten until he passed out twice, kept in isolation, and blindfolded. Saif Abu Keshek was hand-tied, blindfolded, and forced into stress positions from seizure until arrival in Israel.
Israeli Authorities
The foreign ministry identified the activists as affiliated with the US-sanctioned Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, which acts on behalf of Hamas. Abu Keshek is a leading member of the group, while Avila is linked and suspected of illegal activity. Israel intercepted the flotilla in international waters to prevent breaching the Gaza blockade.
- Shikma Prison in Ashkelon once held Mordechai Vanunu, who served 18 years in solitary for revealing Israel's nuclear secrets.
- Hamas planned but failed to raid Shikma Prison on October 7 to free Palestinian inmates, as attackers got lost.
- Shikma gained notoriety for interrogation abuses that weaken detainees' minds and bodies, per B'Tselem reports.
Israel-Hamas War
Israel and Hamas are in the second phase of the U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan, with the last living hostages already returned and Israel still holding a large security presence inside Gaza.[5][7][8] The main dispute now is over Hamas disarmament, the scope and pace of Israeli withdrawal, and who will govern Gaza after the fighting.
7 October
Hamas launches surprise attack on Israel, killing over 1,300 people and taking hundreds of hostages2008-2009
Israel launches major military operation in Gaza; conflict kills hundreds and displaces thousands
