An Israeli court has extended the detention of two pro-Palestinian activists who were arrested after Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza bound flotilla in international waters near Greece, according to Reuters.
Read More: Two Gaza aid flotilla activists brought to Israel for questioning
The two detainees, Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, and Thiago Avila, a Brazilian activist, will remain in custody until May 10 following a decision by the Ashkelon Magistrate’s Court. Their detention had previously been extended until Tuesday.
The activists were part of the second Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission launched from Barcelona on April 12 with the stated aim of delivering aid to Gaza and challenging Israel’s blockade of the territory.
Israeli authorities detained Abu Keshek and Avila last Wednesday and transferred them to Israel, while more than 100 other activists involved in the flotilla were taken to the Greek island of Crete.
Court documents cited by Reuters show Israeli authorities accuse the pair of multiple offences, including aiding the enemy, contact with a foreign agent and terrorist organisation, and prohibited activity involving a terrorist component. Judge Yaniv Ben-Haroush said there was “reasonable suspicion” to justify the extension of detention.
Lawyers representing Israeli human rights organisation Adalah argued there were no legal grounds for continued detention and said no formal charges had been filed. The group announced plans to appeal the ruling and seek the immediate release of both activists.
Adalah also alleged the detainees were tortured while in custody, an accusation denied by Israeli officials. The Israeli foreign ministry claimed the activists had links to Hamas and described the flotilla as a provocation intended to distract from Hamas’ refusal to disarm.
Read More: Gaza aid flotilla activists released after Israeli interception
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares called for Abu Keshek’s immediate release, arguing Israel lacked jurisdiction in international waters. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also condemned the detention and demanded both activists be freed. Both detainees are reportedly on hunger strike, prompting the court to instruct prison authorities to monitor their medical conditions.