Israeli Rights Group Requests Medical Visit for Detained Gaza Flotilla Activist on Hunger Strike
Adalah asked the Israel Prison Service on May 8, 2026 to allow a doctor to visit Saif Abu Keshek, who has refused food and water for more than a week. Abu Keshek, held with Thiago Ávila after their Gaza-bound flotilla was intercepted in international waters, is urging prison authorities to permit the medical visit amid allegations of threats and mistreatment during interrogation.
thehindu.comIsraeli rights group Adalah on Friday asked the Israel Prison Service to allow a doctor to visit Saif Abu Keshek, one of two Gaza flotilla activists detained in Israel. Saif Abu Keshek has refused food for more than a week and has stopped drinking water. He is urging prison authorities to allow a doctor visit.
The request was made on May 08, 2026, at 02:03 PM IDT, according to Haaretz reported. Adalah made the request amid allegations of threats and mistreatment during interrogation. Saif Abu Keshek is held in Israel with Thiago Ávila after a Gaza-bound flotilla was intercepted in international waters.
Haaretz reported that the activist has been on a hunger strike for more than a week. The group said he stopped drinking water as the strike intensified. Pressure from Spain and Italy has also been reported in connection with the detention of the two activists.
Adalah's request to the Israel Prison Service seeks immediate access for medical examination. The organization cited the length of the hunger strike and the cessation of water intake as grounds for urgent attention. Abu Keshek himself has pressed prison officials for the same doctor visit.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- 2026-05-08 14:03 IDT
Adalah requests doctor visit for Saif Abu Keshek
1 sourceHaaretz - 2026-05-01 or earlier
Saif Abu Keshek begins refusing food and later stops drinking water
1 sourceAdalah via Haaretz - Recent
Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted in international waters; Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Ávila detained in Israel
1 sourceHaaretz
Potential Impact
- 01
Continued hunger strike raises risk of serious health deterioration for the detainee
- 02
Medical access for Abu Keshek could be granted by Israel Prison Service in coming days
Transparency Panel
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