Outrage! Israel Extends Detention of Gaza Flotilla Activists, Lawyers Cry Foul

An Israeli court has prolonged the detention of two activists from a humanitarian aid flotilla heading to Gaza. These activists, Saif Abu Keshek from Spain and Brazilian Thiago Avila, were apprehended by Israeli authorities. The Ashkelon Magistrates’ Court approved the extension until May 10th, following a request from the state. The activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters near Greece on April 30th. 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, the rights group representing the activists, condemned the court's decision, calling it a validation of the state's lawlessness and stating they would appeal. The extension was based on undisclosed evidence that the activists and their lawyers were not allowed to review. No formal charges have been filed, but the men face accusations of links to a terrorist organization and contact with foreign agents. Lawyers argue the allegations are baseless, as the activists were abducted far from Gaza and are not Israeli citizens. The activists are reportedly held in isolation, subjected to constant bright lighting and blindfolded during movement, and continue a hunger strike since their abduction. The flotilla's organizers have also demanded their release, urging international intervention. The activists' lawyers reported severe physical abuse, amounting to torture. The Global Sumud Flotilla