Israel Extends Detention of Gaza Flotilla Activists: What You Need to Know

An Israeli court has prolonged the detention of two activists from a Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotilla, as confirmed by an Israeli rights group. The Ashkelon Magistrates’ Court approved the state's request to extend the detention of Saif Abu Keshek (Spain) and Thiago Avila (Brazil) until May 10. The pair were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, intercepted by Israeli forces near Greece on April 30. While most of the 180 activists were taken to Crete, Abu Keshek and Avila were brought to Israel for questioning and remain in custody. Adalah stated that the court's decision validates the state's actions and will be appealed. The extension is based on undisclosed evidence not accessible to the activists or their lawyers. No formal charges have been filed, but the men face accusations, including links to a "terrorist organization." Lawyers argue the allegations are baseless, and Israeli law shouldn't apply as the activists were abducted far from Gaza and are not Israeli citizens. The activists are reportedly held in isolation with intense lighting and blindfolds during movement, and are on a hunger strike since their abduction on April 30. The flotilla organizers demand their release and urge international intervention. Lawyers visited the activists at Shikma Prison in Ashkelon, where they reported "severe physical abuse amounting to torture." The Global Sumud Flotilla's initial voyage in August and September garnered global attention before being intercepted in early October,