Spain’s foreign minister has called for the swift release of a Spanish‑Swedish activist detained by Israeli authorities after an aid flotilla headed for Gaza was intercepted in international waters. Saif Abukeshek, who has Palestinian heritage, was taken into custody alongside Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila. A legal aid organisation says both men have begun a hunger strike.
Dozens of other participants in the Global Sumud flotilla were transferred by the Greek coast guard to the island of Crete following the interception. The flotilla had departed Italy earlier in the week in an attempt to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza.
Speaking to public radio, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares described Abukeshek’s detention as “illegal,” stressing that it occurred outside Israel’s jurisdiction. He said he had conveyed this position directly to his Israeli counterpart.
The Israel‑based legal advocacy group Adalah reported that its representatives visited the two detained activists in Ashkelon, where both alleged they had been repeatedly beaten, held in isolation and blindfolded for extended periods. The organisation said such treatment would constitute a serious breach of international law.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated online that Abukeshek and Ávila were being questioned over possible links to Hamas and had received consular visits.
The case has added new strain to relations between Spain and Israel. Spain has been a vocal critic of the war in Gaza and formally recognised Palestinian statehood in 2024. At a political event on Friday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Spain would “always protect its citizens” and insisted on adherence to international law, calling for Abukeshek’s immediate release.
Spain has joined flotilla organisers in urging governments worldwide to press Israel for the release of both detained activists.
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