UN Calls for Release of Two Gaza Flotilla Activists

The United Nations has called on Israel to immediately and unconditionally release two activists detained while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The men, identified as Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian national Thiago Avila, were seized in international waters last week during an interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla.

They continue to be held without charge. An Israeli court rejected their appeal on Wednesday and extended the detention order until May 10. Flotilla organizers said only these two out of about 180 participants were taken to Israel for detention. The pair have been on a hunger strike, drinking only water, since their seizure.

Rights groups representing the activists reported severe physical abuse in custody that amounts to torture. The men face accusations including affiliation with a terrorist organization and contact with foreign agents. No formal charges have been filed against them.

The court decision followed an earlier ruling that kept the detention in place. Organizers described the treatment as inconsistent with international standards for individuals seized in international waters.

UN rights office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan stated that showing solidarity with Gaza residents in need of aid is not a crime. He called for a full investigation into reports of mistreatment and for those responsible to face justice. " — Thameen Al-Kheetan, UN rights office spokesperson, May 6, 2026 (Al Jazeera) The spokesperson also urged an end to arbitrary detention practices and to broadly defined terrorism laws that conflict with human rights standards.

He further called for the Gaza blockade to be lifted and for adequate humanitarian access to the territory.

Avila’s mother, Teresa Regina de Avila e Silva, died in Brasilia on Wednesday at age 63 after years of illness. Flotilla organizers noted her strength and the family’s dedication during her final period. This detention follows an earlier Global Sumud Flotilla voyage in August and September that was intercepted by Israeli forces in early October.

Crew members on that trip, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, were arrested and later expelled. The current flotilla was intercepted off Greece on April 30.