Israeli Court Extends Detention of Two Gaza Flotilla Activists Until May 10

An Israeli court on May 5, 2026 extended the detention of two activists arrested from the Global Sumud Flotilla by six days until May 10. Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, and Thiago Avila, a Brazilian national, were among those detained by Israeli authorities on April 29 after the vessels were intercepted.

Court documents accuse the pair of offences including aiding the enemy, contact with a foreign agent and a terrorist organization, prohibited activity involving a terrorist component, and providing means to a terrorist organization.

Judge Yaniv Ben-Haroush ruled at the Ashkelon Magistrate’s Court that there was reasonable suspicion to justify the extension. “I am convinced that there is reasonable suspicion,” he stated after hearing arguments from both sides. No formal charges have been filed and the detention is for the purpose of ongoing interrogation.

Lawyers from the human rights group Adalah, who represented the two men, told the court the allegations were baseless and provided no legal grounds for continued detention. Adalah said it would appeal the decision and demand the immediate and unconditional release of Abu Keshek and Avila.

The group also alleged that the two had been tortured in custody. Israeli authorities dismissed the torture claims.

More than 100 other activists from the flotilla were taken to the Greek island of Crete. Released activists who returned to Argentina described mistreatment by Israeli forces during and after the interception.