Israeli court extends detention of two Gaza flotilla activists until Tuesday

Israeli authorities have extended the detention of two foreign activists, Thiago Ávila from Brazil and Saif Abu Keshek from Spain, who were aboard the 'Global Sumud Flotilla' intercepted by the Israeli Navy. The Ashkelon Magistrate's Court granted a two-day extension for further questioning, as requested by the state, which is investigating suspicions of serious offenses including assisting the enemy during wartime and affiliation with a terrorist organization.

“

The two were among the activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona on April 12 in an attempt to break Israel’s naval blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to the Strip.

The flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona on April 12, aimed to break Israel's naval blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. However, Israeli forces intercepted the vessels near Greece. While most activists were transferred to Crete, Ávila and Abu Keshek were brought to Israel. Israel has labeled the flotilla a "provocation" and maintains the lawfulness of its blockade.

“

Israel has described the flotilla as a “provocation” and said it would not allow the breach of what it called the lawful naval blockade on Gaza.

From our perspective, the legal arguments presented by the defense attorneys from Adalah are significant. They contend that Israel lacks jurisdiction over foreign nationals apprehended in international waters, challenging the extraterritorial application of Israeli law to their actions. The defense also points to the selective nature of the investigation, noting that many other detained activists were not brought to Israel for questioning. The court's decision, based on a classified report, suggests reasonable suspicion at this stage, but the jurisdictional challenge remains a key point of contention.

“

During Sunday’s hearing, Israeli authorities sought to extend the pair’s detention on suspicion of offenses including assisting the enemy during wartime, contact with a foreign agent, membership in and providing services to a terrorist organization, and the transfer of property for a terrorist organization, according to Adalah, which is assisting in their defense.