Israel has confirmed that both the Spanish activist Saif Abu Keshek and the Brazilian Thiago Ávila, detained during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, are currently on Israeli soil pending interrogation. Spain considers the detention unlawful.
The Israeli authorities have declared that Abu Keshek and Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila are already on the country’s territory and will be questioned shortly. The foreign ministry of Israel shared this information via social media, without revealing their arrival location or the venue of the interrogations.
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Israel accuses them both of connections with Hamas through the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, an organisation labeled by the United States as a front for the Palestinian Islamist group. Abu Keshek is specifically mentioned as one of the «leaders» within that structure, while Ávila is said to participate in activities deemed illegal by Israeli authorities.
They will each receive consular support from their home countries. The Spanish consul in Tel Aviv will assist Abu Keshek, while Brazilian officials will represent Ávila.
Albares: (Keshek) debería estar en Creta con los demás
José Manuel Albares, Spain’s foreign minister, expressed clearly during an interview with ‘Catalunya Ràdio’ that the detention was «illegal, carried out in international waters, beyond Israeli jurisdiction.»
According to Albares, Abu Keshek ought not to have been brought onto Israeli territory; instead, he should have been disembarked on the Greek island of Crete alongside the other activists.
On Thursday, Spain’s foreign ministry swiftly summoned the Israeli embassy’s head in Madrid to communicate the government’s strong disapproval.
Spain has also co-signed a joint statement with ten other countries—including Turkey, Brazil, Colombia, and South Africa—declaring that Israel’s assault on the vessels and the activists’ detentions are clear violations of international law.
When questioned about the possibility of torture against Abu Keshek, Albares admitted there is no confirmation yet since no direct contact has been made. However, he noted that several activists required medical care in Crete and that the Spanish consul there had to accompany them.
La flotilla denuncia tortura sistemática
The Global Sumud Flotilla has escalated its accusations.
In a statement issued early Saturday, the organisation alleges that both Abu Keshek and Ávila suffered torture by the Israeli military following their separation from the other 174 activists, all of whom were also taken aboard the Israeli naval vessel Nahshon.
«Eyewitnesses have reported hearing Abu Keshek’s screams throughout the ship as he underwent systematic torture after being isolated from the group,» the statement declares.
The group characterizes this event as a «significant escalation» and labels it an «additional war crime.» Reportedly, up to 35 activists needed medical attention due to injuries sustained during Israel’s operation.
Familias sin noticias y llenas de temor
Sally Issa, the wife of the activist, told TVE that they endured many hours without any updates. «We have received no information about his transfer,» she noted. «Israel has no authority to detain individuals in international waters. This constitutes an illegal act, and we urge the Spanish government to take all possible measures to secure his release.»
Sally Issa, esposa del activista español detenido por Israel: «Nos preocupa gravemente su salud»
Her greatest concern remains her husband’s health. «We have accounts from activists present who reported systematic violence against Saif, which seriously worries us regarding his well-being,» she explained, adding that beyond legal representation, the family also requires guarantees of medical attention.
The remaining members of the flotilla, except Abu Keshek and Ávila, disembarked in Crete on Friday, where some received medical care and others began their repatriation to their home countries.