Spain Demands Release of Detained Flotilla Activists

Spain Demands Release of Detained Flotilla Activists Spain's foreign ministry on Sunday demanded the immediate release of Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek, whom it stated was being "held illegally" by Israel, following the interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla near Crete on Thursday. An Israeli court in Ashkelon extended Abu Keshek's detention by two days, alongside Brazilian national Thiago Ávila, who was also part of the 58-vessel Global Sumud Flotilla carrying 175 activists from 70 countries.

The interception occurred in international waters off Greece, approximately 1,000 km (620 miles) from Gaza. Both Abu Keshek and Ávila were subsequently transported to Israel for questioning. Adalah, a rights group representing the activists, reported that no formal charges have been filed against them, and both are reportedly on hunger strike in protest of their detention and alleged mistreatment.

Israel's foreign ministry has accused Abu Keshek of being a leading member of the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA), an organization sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury for alleged clandestine activities on behalf of Hamas. Ávila is also suspected of links to the PCPA and illegal activity. Spain and Brazil issued a joint statement condemning the incident as an "abduction" and a violation of international law, demanding the immediate return of their citizens.