‘Israel’ extends detention of Gaza flotilla activists until Sunday
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- ‘Israeli’ court orders continued detention of two foreign activists until Sunday
- Legal group says activists were taken from international waters near Greece
- Case draws international criticism amid ongoing legal dispute
An ‘Israeli’ court has ordered that two foreign activists detained from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla remain in custody until Sunday morning, marking the second extension since their arrest.
Spanish national Saif Abu Kishk and Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila were among participants in the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” a mission aimed at delivering aid to the Gaza Strip and challenging the naval blockade.
The two appeared before a court in Ashkelon for their second hearing, where the judge approved the continued detention. Most of the nearly 175 participants were deported to Greece shortly after the flotilla was intercepted last week, but the two men were separated and transferred to ‘Israel’.
Read more: Blindfolded & cold: Rights group says ‘Israel’ abusing two flotilla activists
Legal dispute over interception
Adalah, a legal center representing the activists, said the men were taken from vessels in international waters near Greece, describing the incident as an “abduction.”
“The court approved their detention until Sunday morning,” said Miriam Azem, international advocacy coordinator at Adalah.
The legal team has challenged the jurisdiction of the ‘Israeli’ court, arguing that detaining foreign civilians seized in international waters lacks legal basis. The activists have also reportedly launched a hunger strike in protest of their detention and alleged mistreatment.
Allegations and international reaction
‘Israeli’ authorities have accused the activists of links to the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, which the United States and ‘Israel’ designate as affiliated with Hamas.
The case has drawn criticism from international rights groups and diplomatic actors, who have raised concerns over the legality of the interception and continued detention.
The “Global Sumud Flotilla,” comprising more than 50 vessels, was intercepted by ‘Israeli’ forces last Thursday. While most participants have returned to their home countries, the legal case surrounding the two activists continues to attract international scrutiny.
