Who are the two activists still detained after Israel intercepted the Gaza-bound flotilla?

Two activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla remain in
Israeli custody following the interception of a humanitarian convoy in
international waters on 1 May 2026 off the coast of Greece near Crete,
according to organisers and legal representatives.
The flotilla, consisting of more
than 50 vessels, had departed on 12 April from France, Spain and Italy, aiming
to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza and challenge the Israeli blockade, in
place since 2005 and tightened after 7 October 2023, says Al Jazeera.
Of 175 activists detained during
the operation, 173 have been released. The remaining two — Saif Abu Keshek and
Thiago Avila — are being held at Shikma Prison in Ashkelon and are reported to
be on a hunger strike while continuing to drink water.
Allegations of treatment in custody
Human rights groups and legal
representatives, including Adalah, have described the treatment of both men as
involving physical violence, stress positions and prolonged restraint.
Adalah said both activists provided
"harrowing testimonies" of being subjected to physical violence and
held in stress positions for prolonged periods during the initial phase of
their detention following the seizure of the vessels.
The detainees are being held at
Shikma Prison, a facility that has previously faced allegations of torture and
harsh treatment in other cases.
Saif Abu Keshek
Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish-Swedish
activist of Palestinian origin based in Barcelona, has been active in European
pro-Palestinian movements for more than two decades.
According to Adalah, he
"reported being kept hand tied and blindfolded, and being forced to lie
face-down on the floor from the moment of his seizure until this morning,
resulting in bruising to his face and hands."
The Global Sumud Flotilla said Abu
Keshek was subjected to torture during his detention on an Israeli military
vessel.
Thiago Avila
Thiago Avila, a 38-year-old
Brazilian socio-environmentalist and member of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition's
Steering Committee, has previously taken part in similar missions, including
one in 2025.
Adalah said Avila was
"subjected to extreme brutality by the Israeli military during the seizure
of the vessels," including being "dragged face-down across the floor
and beaten so severely that he passed out twice."
During a monitored visit, Brazilian
embassy officials reported he was separated from them by glass and "unable
to communicate freely." They also observed "visible marks on his
face" and said he was suffering from significant shoulder pain.
Legal proceedings and international response
On 3 May 2026, an Israeli court in
Ashkelon extended the detention of both activists by two days for further
questioning.
Miriam Azem, an international
advocacy coordinator at Adalah, said: "The court extended their detention
by two days," after authorities had sought a longer extension.
The Global Sumud Flotilla has said:
"The forced transfer of civilians from international and European waters
into custody, combined with credible allegations of torture and the absence of
due process, constitutes a serious violation of international law and must be
met with accountability."
Both activists remain in custody as
legal proceedings continue.
















