An Israeli court on Sunday extended the detention of two foreign anti-Israel activists arrested after the Israeli Navy intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla that officials described as a political provocation rather than a legitimate humanitarian mission.
Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila and Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, will remain in custody until Tuesday after Israeli authorities requested additional time for questioning. The pair were aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, which departed Barcelona on April 12 in an attempt to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. Israeli forces intercepted the vessels near Greece last Wednesday.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said Abu Keshek is suspected of affiliation with a terrorist organization, while Ávila is suspected of illegal activity. Prosecutors are also examining allegations including assisting the enemy during wartime, contact with a foreign agent, membership in and providing services to a terrorist organization, and transferring property on behalf of a terrorist group. Most of the roughly 175 activists aboard the intercepted vessels were rerouted to the Greek island of Crete. Ávila and Abu Keshek were transferred to Israel for further questioning.
The US State Department issued a sharp condemnation of the flotilla, calling it a “pro-Hamas initiative” and a “baseless, counterproductive effort.” Officials said the operation was organized by the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, which the US designated earlier this year as a global terrorist entity for allegedly operating on Hamas’ behalf. Washington urged allies to deny the flotilla access to ports, fuel, and docking, warning that those who assist the effort could face consequences. “The flotilla has nothing to do with humanitarian aid or the welfare of Gazans,” the statement said.
Israeli officials said an initial inspection of the vessels turned up items that appeared inconsistent with a humanitarian mission, including suspected drugs and large quantities of contraceptives. Authorities declared the effort a publicity stunt, with officials referring to it as a “condom flotilla.”
Ávila, who previously sailed alongside climate activist Greta Thunberg in a previous flotilla to Gaza, has also faced allegations of sexual misconduct from fellow activists, claims he has denied. Reports of internal disputes and misconduct have reportedly plagued the flotilla’s leadership in recent months. The case is expected to return to court on Tuesday as authorities continue their investigation.
Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila and Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, will remain in custody until Tuesday after Israeli authorities requested additional time for questioning. The pair were aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, which departed Barcelona on April 12 in an attempt to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. Israeli forces intercepted the vessels near Greece last Wednesday.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said Abu Keshek is suspected of affiliation with a terrorist organization, while Ávila is suspected of illegal activity. Prosecutors are also examining allegations including assisting the enemy during wartime, contact with a foreign agent, membership in and providing services to a terrorist organization, and transferring property on behalf of a terrorist group. Most of the roughly 175 activists aboard the intercepted vessels were rerouted to the Greek island of Crete. Ávila and Abu Keshek were transferred to Israel for further questioning.
The US State Department issued a sharp condemnation of the flotilla, calling it a “pro-Hamas initiative” and a “baseless, counterproductive effort.” Officials said the operation was organized by the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, which the US designated earlier this year as a global terrorist entity for allegedly operating on Hamas’ behalf. Washington urged allies to deny the flotilla access to ports, fuel, and docking, warning that those who assist the effort could face consequences. “The flotilla has nothing to do with humanitarian aid or the welfare of Gazans,” the statement said.
Israeli officials said an initial inspection of the vessels turned up items that appeared inconsistent with a humanitarian mission, including suspected drugs and large quantities of contraceptives. Authorities declared the effort a publicity stunt, with officials referring to it as a “condom flotilla.”
Ávila, who previously sailed alongside climate activist Greta Thunberg in a previous flotilla to Gaza, has also faced allegations of sexual misconduct from fellow activists, claims he has denied. Reports of internal disputes and misconduct have reportedly plagued the flotilla’s leadership in recent months. The case is expected to return to court on Tuesday as authorities continue their investigation.
