Overview
- The Ashkelon Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday extended the custody of Spanish activist Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila until May 10 to allow more questioning, with no charges filed.
- Court documents list suspected security offenses including aiding the enemy and contact with a terrorist organization, with Israel citing the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad as the link and the judge noting “reasonable suspicion” based on classified material.
- Lawyers from the rights group Adalah say both men are on hunger strike and held in isolation under constant bright light, blindfolded during movements, subjected to very cold conditions, and threatened in long interrogations, claims Israel denies.
- Israeli forces intercepted the Europe-launched Global Sumud flotilla in international waters near Crete after it set out to challenge the Gaza blockade and deliver aid, routing most of roughly 175 activists to Crete while transferring the two men to Israel.
- Spain and Brazil have demanded the activists’ release, and Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into alleged unlawful detention tied to an Italian-flagged vessel, as Adalah prepares an appeal of the remand ruling.