Israel Holds Gaza Flotilla Activists as Torture Claims Emerge

An Israeli court has extended the detention of two activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla by six days. Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, and Thiago Avila, a Brazilian, were detained by Israeli forces in international waters near Greece and subsequently transferred to Israel. Some 175 other activists were transferred to the Greek island of Crete.

The flotilla was part of an initiative to break the blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. The ships set sail from Barcelona on 12 April.

Israel suspects the two men of several offences, including aiding the enemy, contact with a foreign agent and membership of a terrorist organization. A judge ruled on Tuesday that there was "reasonable suspicion" and extended their detention until 10 May.

Lawyers from the human rights group Adalah deny the charges. They argue that no formal charges have been filed and that detention solely for interrogation has no legal basis. Adalah has said it will appeal the ruling and demand the men's immediate release. The organization further alleges that the two have been tortured in detention, a claim Israel denies.

(reuters, max)