Arabic version: إسبانيا تطالب بالإفراج الفوري عن عضو قافلة تم اعتقاله

Spain has demanded the release of Saif Abukeshek, a Spanish citizen arrested during a raid on a flotilla bound for Gaza. According to Al Jazeera, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares expressed concern over what he termed the “illegal detention” of Abukeshek and called for his immediate release.

Abukeshek, a Spanish-Swedish national of Palestinian origin, was detained alongside Brazilian Thiago Avila during an Israeli military operation targeting the Global Sumud Flotilla off the coast of Crete earlier this week. The Israeli military claims both men have ties to Hamas, but Albares insisted that Israel has not provided any evidence to support this allegation.

The Israeli navy reportedly stormed 22 boats in the flotilla while they were in international waters, detaining approximately 175 activists. Most were taken to Greece for processing, but Abukeshek and Avila were transported to Israel for questioning. Albares described the arrest as a “kidnapping” occurring outside Israel’s jurisdiction.

Reports from the Global Sumud Flotilla indicate that Abukeshek has faced torture during his detention. The Adalah legal center, which visited the activists in Shikma Prison, reported that both men endured physical violence and were held in stress positions. Abukeshek has claimed he was kept hand-tied and blindfolded, while Avila reported being severely beaten.

Both activists have begun a hunger strike, although they are still consuming water. They are scheduled to appear in court on Sunday to address the extension of their detention. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has also urged the Israeli government to release Abukeshek, emphasizing Spain’s commitment to protecting its citizens and upholding international law.