An Israeli court has controversially extended by two days the detention of two brave activists, Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila, who were arrested aboard a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza. This decision comes amidst grave allegations of torture and severe mistreatment at the hands of Israeli forces.

Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish-Swedish national of Palestinian origin, and Thiago Avila, a Brazilian national, were seized by Israeli authorities in international waters last Wednesday. While over 100 other pro-Palestine activists on the Global Sumud flotilla were diverted to the Greek island of Crete, Abu Keshek and Avila were forcibly brought to Israel.

Disturbing reports from the Brazilian embassy confirm that Avila has been subjected to torture, brutal beatings, and inhumane treatment during his detention. Embassy officials, during a heavily monitored visit where communication was severely restricted, observed visible marks on his face and noted his complaints of significant pain, particularly in his shoulder.

Eyewitness testimonies from the Global Sumud flotilla further reveal that Abu Keshek endured similar torture and severe abuse while held on the military vessel before his transfer to Israeli custody. These accounts paint a grim picture of the methods employed by the Israeli regime against those attempting to deliver aid to the besieged Gaza Strip.

The governments of Spain and Brazil have rightfully condemned these actions, issuing a joint statement that unequivocally labels the detention of their nationals as illegal. This international outcry highlights the blatant disregard for international law by Israeli authorities.

The second Global Sumud Flotilla embarked from Barcelona on April 12 with a noble mission: to break Israel’s inhumane blockade of Gaza and deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. Instead, it was met with military aggression and the unlawful abduction of its participants.

In a further display of arbitrary power, Israeli authorities initially sought a four-day extension of the activists’ detention, leveling a series of baseless and politically motivated charges against them. The legal rights group Adalah, representing the activists, exposed these charges, which include ludicrous accusations such as ‘assisting the enemy during wartime’ and ‘membership in a terrorist organization.’ Both men vehemently deny these fabricated allegations.

Adalah solicitors Hadeel Abu Salih and Lubna Tuma powerfully argued before the court that the entire proceedings against the activists are “flawed and illegal,” emphasizing the complete lack of legal basis for applying such charges to foreign nationals acting in international waters. Abu Salih also revealed that both men were subjected to violence en route to Israel and were kept handcuffed and blindfolded until Thursday morning, underscoring the brutality of their capture.

The Israeli foreign ministry, in a dismissive tone, has labeled the flotilla organizers as “professional provocateurs,” attempting to deflect from their own violations of international law and human rights. The international community must not be swayed by such rhetoric and must demand accountability for the treatment of these humanitarian activists.