Israel confirmed the detention of a Spanish and Brazilian activist linked to a Palestinian organization, prompting a demand for their release from Spain.
Israel Confirms Detentions, Cites Hamas Links
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed on Saturday the presence in Israel of Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian Thiago Avila. The ministry stated they would be transferred to law enforcement for questioning.
Tel Aviv accuses the detainees of ties to the Popular Conference of Palestinians Abroad, which the U.S. Treasury Department identified in January as a “Hamas front organization.”
Activist’s Background and Alleged Mistreatment
Keshek, a dual citizen of Spain and Sweden, is of Palestinian origin. According to organizers of the humanitarian convoy, cited by the Jerusalem Post, Keshek was aboard an observation vessel that was not intended to reach the Gaza Strip.
They claim he was “brutally beaten” and isolated from other flotilla members.
Detention Extended, Calls for Release Intensify
Convoy organizers announced on Sunday that the “illegal arrest” of both men had been extended by two days. They urged continued pressure for their “immediate release.”
Spanish Foreign Minister Denounces Detention
“I want to clearly emphasize that we are dealing with an illegal detention that occurred in international waters, outside the jurisdiction of Israeli authorities,” stated Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares in an interview with Catalan radio on Saturday.
Spain Protests Detentions, Summons Israeli Envoy
On Thursday, the Spanish Foreign Ministry summoned Israeli charge d’affaires Dana Erlich in Madrid to deliver a protest regarding the detention of approximately 175 activists – including 31 Spanish citizens – who were sailing to the Gaza Strip on around 20 vessels.
On Friday, AFP reported that Israeli forces had transferred about 170 activists to the Greek coast guard, with all but Keshek and Avila landing on Crete.
Global Flotilla Sumud and Polish Participation
The Global Flotilla Sumud included four members of the Polish delegation: Łukasz Kozak, Magdalena Górska, Agata Wisłocka, and Kareem Awad. The organization conducted a similar action in autumn 2025.
At that time, nearly 500 people set sail for Gaza, but the convoy was intercepted by the Israeli navy, activists were detained, transported to Israel, and subsequently deported.
Flotilla’s Aims and Israeli Response
Flotilla organizers state their goal is to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and symbolically break the Israeli naval blockade. Israel maintains the blockade is legal, a claim disputed by many.
Context: Israel-Hamas Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
A war between Israel and Hamas took place in the Gaza Strip from 2023-2025, leading to a humanitarian catastrophe, according to the UN. Palestinian authorities report at least 72,000 people have been killed in Gaza as a result of Israeli military operations during this period.
The Israeli offensive was in response to the Hamas attack on Israel in early October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people.
