The United Nations has called on Israel to immediately release two activists taken from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, citing “disturbing accounts” of severe mistreatment. The demand, issued Wednesday by the UN human rights office, adds international pressure on Israel over its interception of the flotilla in international waters off the coast of Greece last Thursday.
Spanish national Saif Abukeshek and Brazilian Thiago Avila are being held in a prison in Ashkelon, Israel. They were among dozens of activists on the Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from ports in France, Spain, and Italy with the stated aim of breaking Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged Palestinian territory.
UN Calls for Investigation and Release
“Israel must immediately and unconditionally release Global Sumud Flotilla members Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Avila, who were detained in international waters and brought to Israel where they continue to be held without charge,” said Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesman for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. “It is not a crime to show solidarity and attempt to bring humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population in Gaza, who are in dire need of it.”
Representatives for Avila and Abukeshek have accused Israeli authorities of abusing the two men, who have been on hunger strike for the past six days. Al-Kheetan decried the “disturbing accounts of severe mistreatment,” calling for an investigation and insisting “those responsible must be brought to justice.”
The UN also called for an end to Israel’s use of arbitrary detention and broadly defined terrorism legislation, which it said is inconsistent with international human rights law. “Israel must also end its blockade on Gaza, and allow and facilitate the entry of humanitarian assistance to the besieged Palestinian strip, in sufficient amounts,” Al-Kheetan added.
Israel Defends Blockade, Plans to Transfer Activists to Greece
Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, said on Thursday that the activists intercepted from the flotilla would be taken to Greece. “In coordination with the Greek government, the civilians who were transferred from the flotilla vessels to the Israeli vessel will be brought ashore in Greece in the coming hours,” Sa’ar wrote on X, thanking the Greek government “for its willingness to receive the flotilla participants.” He added, “Israel will not allow the breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza.”
Israel has historically dismissed such aid flotillas as publicity stunts by attention seekers. Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, referred to the fleet of ships as “provocative.”
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from European capitals. Spain has demanded the release of its citizen, while the flotilla’s participants have already disembarked in Crete after the interception. The broader context of the blockade remains a flashpoint, with ongoing tensions in the region complicating diplomatic efforts.
