Arabic version: إسرائيل تعتقل ناشطين من قافلة غزة

Two activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila, have been presented before an Israeli court following their detention along with 175 other campaigners in international waters near Greece. According to Al Jazeera, the activists have been on a hunger strike during their detention although they continue to drink water.

The flotilla, comprising more than 50 vessels, set sail from France, Spain, and Italy on April 12, aiming to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. The activists were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off Greece on Thursday, with all others released except for Abu Keshek and Avila.

Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish-Swedish national of Palestinian origin, has been involved in Palestinian solidarity movements for over 20 years. He was abducted off Crete and is currently held in Shikma Prison, where reports indicate he has been subjected to torture. Thiago Avila, a Brazilian socio-environmentalist, has also reported mistreatment during his detention. Both men have faced severe conditions since their capture.

The Israeli court has approved a two-day extension of their detention for further questioning. Human rights organizations have condemned the actions taken by Israel, calling it a serious violation of international law. The Global Sumud Flotilla has urged global governments and civil society to demand the release of the detained activists.