Two foreign activists detained from a Gaza-bound flotilla appeared before an Israeli court in Ashkelon on Sunday. The men, Saif Abu Keshek of Spain and Thiago Ávila of Brazil, were brought to Israel for interrogation following the interception of their convoy.
Interception in International Waters
The activists were part of a flotilla consisting of more than 50 vessels that departed from Italy, Spain, and France. The mission aimed to deliver supplies to the Palestinian territory and break the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
Israeli forces intercepted the fleet early on Thursday in international waters off the coast of Greece. According to Israeli officials, 175 activists were removed during the operation, with Abu Keshek and Ávila specifically taken to Israel for questioning.
Allegations of Brutality and Detention
Legal representatives from the rights group Adalah met the two men at Shikma prison in Ashkelon on Saturday. During these meetings, Thiago Ávila reported being subjected to extreme brutality
during the seizure of the vessels.
Ávila claimed he was dragged face-down across the floor and beaten so severely that he passed out twice
. He further stated that since arriving in Israel, he has been kept in isolation and blindfolded
.
Adalah as well reported that Saif Abu Keshek was hand-tied and blindfolded
and forced to remain face-down on the floor from the moment of his seizure until he reached Israel.
Security Claims and Diplomatic Tension
Israel’s foreign ministry has asserted that both individuals are affiliated with the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA). This organization is subject to US Treasury sanctions and has been accused by Washington of clandestinely acting on behalf of
Hamas.
The foreign ministry identified Abu Keshek as a leading member of the PCPA and stated that Ávila is linked to the group and suspected of illegal activity
.
In response, Spain has rejected the accusations against Abu Keshek and condemned his detention. Meanwhile, flotilla organizers described the interception as a calculated death trap at sea
, alleging that their equipment was smashed during the raid.
Context of the Global Sumud Flotilla
This event follows a previous Mediterranean voyage by the Global Sumud Flotilla in the summer and autumn of 2025. During that mission, Israeli forces intercepted boats off the coasts of Gaza and Egypt in early October 2025.
That earlier operation resulted in the arrest and expulsion of several crew members, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. In the most recent incident, an AFP journalist reported that dozens of intercepted activists disembarked at the Greek island of Crete on Friday.
Possible Next Steps
The legal status of the two activists remains uncertain. Miriam Azem of Adalah noted that the state has requested to extend their detention by four days, which may lead to further interrogations.
Depending on the evidence presented regarding their ties to the PCPA, the detainees could face prolonged detention or potential expulsion from the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the activists currently detained in Israel?
The detained activists are Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, and Thiago Ávila, a citizen of Brazil.
What was the purpose of the flotilla?
The flotilla, comprising more than 50 vessels from France, Italy, and Spain, aimed to bring supplies to the Palestinian territory and break the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
Why does Israel claim the activists are dangerous?
Israel’s foreign ministry states the men are affiliated with the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA), a group subject to US Treasury sanctions for allegedly acting on behalf of Hamas.
Do you believe international waters should provide absolute protection for humanitarian missions?
