Overview
- The Ashkelon Magistrate’s Court, which on Tuesday extended the custody of Saif Abu Keshek of Spain and Brazil’s Thiago Avila to May 10, cited “reasonable suspicion” after reviewing classified material.
- An Israeli district court later rejected the pair’s appeal against detention, leaving them in custody for continued police questioning with no charges filed.
- Lawyers and the rights group Adalah allege the men face sleep‑deprivation lighting, isolation, blindfolding during movements, extreme cold, and threats during long interrogations, while Israeli officials deny any torture or abuse.
- Israeli authorities accuse the activists of security offenses including aiding the enemy and contact with a terrorist group, linking them to the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, which Washington says acts on behalf of Hamas, as defense lawyers argue the mission was humanitarian and the capture in international waters was unlawful.
- The UN called for their immediate and unconditional release and an investigation into mistreatment, while Italy opened a probe tied to an Italian‑flagged vessel and Spain and Brazil pressed for the men’s release, a clash that could test how states view blockade enforcement far from Israel’s shores.