Israeli court extends detention of two Gaza flotilla activists until May 10

Published 05 May, 2026 06:08pm 2 min read

An Israeli court has extended by another six days the detention of two activists arrested aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla that was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters near ​Greece.

Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, and Brazilian Thiago Avila were ​detained by Israeli authorities last Wednesday and brought to Israel, while ⁠more than 100 other pro-Palestinian activists on the boats were taken to ​the Greek island of Crete.

Abu Keshek and Avila’s detention had initially been extended ​until Tuesday, but the Ashkelon Magistrate’s Court extended it further until May 10.

The activists were part of a second Global Sumud Flotilla launched in an attempt to break Israel’s blockade ​of Gaza by delivering humanitarian assistance. The ships set sail from Barcelona on April ​12.

Court documents show that Israel accuses Abu Keshek and Avila of offences including aiding the ‌enemy, ⁠contact with a foreign agent and a terrorist organisation, prohibited activity involving a terrorist component, and providing means to a terrorist organisation.

“I am convinced that there is reasonable suspicion,” Judge Yaniv Ben-Haroush concluded after hearing parties’ arguments in granting ​the extension.

Lawyers for ​the human rights group ⁠Adalah had argued during the hearing that the allegations were baseless and there were no legal grounds for the continued ​detention of the two men.

They said no formal charges ​have been ⁠filed, and their detention was for purposes of ongoing interrogation.

Adalah said it would appeal the decision and would demand the immediate and unconditional release of Abu Keshek ⁠and ​Avila. It also said the men had been ​tortured in custody - a charge dismissed by Israel.

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