Israel Detains Gaza Flotilla Activists Amid Allegations of Torture

• •Two activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla were detained by Israeli forces in international waters.
• •Allegations of torture and severe abuse have been reported by the activists' legal representatives.
• •Spain's Foreign Ministry has condemned the detention as illegal and demanded their release.

On May 2, 2026, Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, detaining activists Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila. Both activists are accused of links to a group sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury, which is alleged to act on behalf of Hamas. An Israeli court extended their detention by two days on May 3, 2026, despite no formal charges being filed. Reports from their lawyers indicate that they have faced severe abuse and torture during their detention, including beatings and isolation. The Spanish Foreign Ministry has condemned their detention as illegal and called for their immediate release. The flotilla aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has been under Israeli blockade since 2007. The situation has further strained diplomatic relations between Spain and Israel, already tense due to the ongoing Gaza conflict. The activists are currently held in Shikma Prison, continuing a hunger strike in protest of their treatment.