Spain’s government is pressing Israel to free one of its citizens who was detained following the interception of a flotilla headed toward Gaza, after an Israeli court approved extending his detention by two additional days.
Saif Abu Keshek, who lives in Barcelona, was brought before a court in Ashkelon on Sunday alongside Brazilian national Thiago Ávila. Their court appearance came several days after Israeli forces stopped a group of vessels attempting to break the naval blockade on Gaza.
The flotilla included dozens of boats carrying activists from various countries. Israeli officials said more than 170 people were taken off the vessels, with Abu Keshek and Ávila among those transferred to Israel for questioning.
Attorneys representing the two men reported that the court granted a two-day extension of their detention despite no formal charges being filed.
A representative of Spain’s Foreign Ministry told The Guardian that Spain’s consul in Tel Aviv was present at the hearing and described Abu Keshek as being “held illegally.” The official added that another court session is expected Tuesday and emphasized that Spain is demanding his immediate release.
The legal group representing the detainees said its attorneys met with both men at Shikma prison in Ashkelon. According to their account, Ávila alleged that he was subjected to harsh physical treatment during the interception, including being dragged and beaten. He also claimed he was later placed in isolation and blindfolded.
The same group said Abu Keshek was restrained and blindfolded from the time he was taken into custody until he arrived in Israel. Both detainees have reportedly begun a hunger strike in protest over the conditions of their detention.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry has linked the two activists to the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, which the United States has designated as connected to Hamas.
In an earlier statement, the ministry said: “Saif Abu Keshek, a leading member of the PCPA – an organization designated and sanctioned by the United States as a Hamas front – and Thiago Ávila, who operates with the PCPA and is suspected of illegal activity, have arrived in Israel. They will be transferred for questioning by law enforcement authorities. Both will receive a consular visit from the representatives of their respective countries in Israel.”
The ministry further alleged that Abu Keshek serves as an intermediary for Hamas figures and helps facilitate financial transfers for the group. It also referenced prior detentions in Egypt and Tunisia connected to similar activities.
Spain and Brazil released a joint statement condemning the interception, characterizing it as the abduction of their citizens in international waters and calling for their immediate return.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also criticized the incident, saying Spain would stand up for its citizens and uphold international law while continuing to demand the detainee’s release.
Organizers behind the flotilla said the interception took place far from Gaza and claimed that equipment was damaged during the operation. Israeli authorities have not responded to those allegations.