An Israeli court on Sunday extended the detention of two Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) leaders who were forcibly taken from international waters, as harrowing testimonies of "systematic torture" and physical abuse began to emerge from the Israeli detention facility.
Thiago Ávila, a Brazilian activist, and Saif Abukeshek, a Spanish–Swedish national of Palestinian origin, will remain held in isolation despite “no formal charges having been filed against either activist,” according to their legal representation Adalah Group in a statement recieved by Al Manassa.
The Global Sumud Flotilla—a civilian-led humanitarian mission comprised of more than 50 vessels attempting to break the ongoing siege on Gaza—was intercepted by the Israeli navy on Friday in international waters near the coast of Crete, where 22 of the boats were taken.
The two activists are continuing a hunger strike inside Shikma Prison in Ashkelon, launched to protest what they call their “illegal abduction” and “ill-treatment” at the hands of Israeli occupation forces, Adalah added.
Legal representatives from the Adalah Group and Brazilian embassy officials, who visited the men on Saturday, corroborated reports of severe mistreatment. Ávila and Abukeshek provided “harrowing testimonies” detailing physical violence and the use of “stress positions” for prolonged periods during the two days they were held at sea by the Israeli navy.
Despite being examined by a doctor, Ávila reported he has received no medical treatment for his injuries. The GSF has characterized the naval operation as a “state-sponsored kidnapping and torture mission.”
The 175 other detained GSF participants were transferred to Crete, many arrived showing signs of severe physical mistreatment. In a statement issued on May 1, 2026, the GSF described the operation as a “state-sponsored kidnapping and torture mission in international waters.”
A GSF report posted to Telegram detailed widespread humiliation, alleging that 34 volunteers were hospitalized with broken noses, fractured ribs, concussions, and facial contusions. The organization further asserted participants were subjected to “sexual and psychological abuse” while in custody.
The GSF has leveled sharp accusations against European authorities, specifically targeting the Greek government for enabling the raid. In a statement released Sunday, the organization accused the Greek Coast Guard and Foreign Ministry of standing by while participants were “brutalized from head to toe by IOF soldiers in Greek waters.”
“This is not complicity, this is collaboration,” the GSF stated, describing the event as an “unprecedented compromise of European sovereignty and democracy.” The organization warned that the failure of European leaders to impede Israeli brutality within their own waters signals a refusal to protect human rights in Palestine or elsewhere, asserting, “It’s always been up to us. The people must continue to rise.”
The detentions have also ignited a diplomatic crisis. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares denounced the arrest as a “kidnapping” conducted outside of Israel’s jurisdiction, while Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accused Israel of violating international law by “abducting” foreign nationals.
In a joint statement, Spain and Brazil condemned Israel’s “flagrantly illegal” actions “in the strongest possible terms.” United Nations Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese described the situation as an “abomination,” labeling the interception “hostage taking” and stating that “Apartheid Israel... is allowed to patrol European waters, seize boats, [and] kidnap people.”
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has justified the detentions by accusing Abukeshek and Ávila of maintaining ties with Hamas through the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad. Authorities claimed that Abukeshek was a leader within the organization and accused Ávila of “illegal activities” on the group’s behalf.
Though the ministry said the men would be questioned by law enforcement, it has provided no legal clarification for their detention in international waters.
The raid has sparked mass rallies across Europe. In Italy, thousands marched through Rome and Naples to denounce the “piracy and state-sponsored abduction.” Similar solidarity gatherings were reported in Brussels, Berlin, and Paris, with activists demanding the immediate release of the detainees and calling for international intervention against the Israeli genocidal campaign.
