Israel extends detention of two Flotilla activists for six more days

An Israeli court in Ashkelon, a coastal town in southern Israel, has extended by six more days the detention of two pro-Palestinian activists arrested last week while sailing with the Global Sumud Flotilla. 

Catalan-Palestinian activist Saif Abukeshek and Brazilian Thiago Ávila will remain in custody at least until Sunday, May 10.

The flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona, was intercepted in international waters near Greece, after which the two activists were transferred to Israeli territory while the rest of the group was released in Crete. Organizers have described the operation as an "international kidnapping," while Israeli authorities say it was lawful and tied to security concerns. 

The decision is partly based on what Israeli authorities describe as "secret evidence," which neither the detainees nor their lawyers have been allowed to review.

According to the Flotilla organisation, both men remain in isolation, are hooded during transfers, exposed to constant bright light, and continue on a hunger strike.

The activists' legal team plans to appeal the ruling to the district court. The lawyers point out that none of the activists have Israeli citizenship and were detained in international waters, so Israeli law cannot be applied to them.

Following the decision, Pro-Palestinian groups have called for a rally this Tuesday afternoon in front of the European Commission headquarters in Barcelona.

Wife of detained activist demands release

Sally Issa, the wife of Saif Abukeshek, has demanded his release and denounced what she described as "torture" during his detention by the Israeli government.

Speaking to reporters outside Spain's National Court in Madrid, Issa said her husband had been forced to lie face down, unable to breathe, adding that fellow passengers on the vessel told her they "heard his cries throughout the journey to Greece."

Issa said Abukeshek is "well," but insisted his interception took place in international waters and was therefore illegal. "I am here to demand that we mobilise to secure his release," she said.

Former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau on Tuesday formally backed a complaint filed with Spain's National Court against the Israeli government, accusing it of "war crimes, crimes against humanity, inhumane treatment, unlawful detention and kidnapping" over the interception of pro-Palestinian flotillas.

Speaking before entering court, Colau said the aim was to increase pressure to "end Israel's impunity" and prevent further detentions. 

"Netanyahu should be arrested because there is an arrest warrant for him," she added.

Spain condemns detention

Earlier on Tuesday, Spain's foreign minister José Manuel Albares condemned the "completely illegal" detention of Saif Abukeshek, saying there is no evidence to support the accusations against him.

"Israeli agents have no jurisdiction in international waters. We demand his immediate release," Albares said in an interview with Spanish public broadcaster TVE.