Two activists from Gaza-bound aid flotilla brought before Israeli court
Urooba Jamal
Two activists from a Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotilla were brought before an Israeli court on Sunday after being detained on the high seas. The court extended their remand by two days for further questioning, as no formal charges have been filed. The activists' lawyers say the proceedings are illegal and call the detention a retaliatory act.
Two activists from a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza appeared before an Israeli court on Sunday, according to the human rights organization Adalah. Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, and Thiago Avila, a Brazilian, attended the hearing in Ashkelon.
They are two of several activists participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces on the high seas off Greece last weekend. Organizers say 168 members were taken to Crete, while the two were abducted and brought to Israel for questioning.
The court extended the activists' remand by two days for further interrogation. No formal charges have been filed yet, but they are suspected of ties to a terrorist organization and contact with foreign agents.
Adalah lawyers argued the proceedings were wrongful and illegal, as there is no legal basis to apply such charges to foreign nationals on the high seas. They called it a retaliatory act targeting humanitarian leaders.
Israel's Foreign Ministry claimed the activists belong to the Palestine Conference Abroad, an organization that the U.S. says operates under Hamas direction. Spain condemned Keshek's abduction and rejected the allegations.
According to Adalah, the activists suffered severe mistreatment by Israeli forces. Avila said he was dragged across the floor, beaten so severely he passed out twice, and had bruises on his face. Both have declared a hunger strike but are still drinking water.
The Global Sumud Flotilla made its first voyage to Gaza in August and September last year, drawing global attention before being blocked by Israel. Crew members, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, were detained and deported.
