Israel extends detention of two activists from the Gaza flotilla

Israeli authorities decided on Sunday to extend the detention of two activists arrested off the coast of Greece while participating in a flotilla operation to Gaza. The two men, a Spanish national and a Brazilian, are accused by Israel of aiding and abetting a terrorist organization. According to their lawyer, this six-day extension is an attempt to pressure activists involved in providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave. The two men, who firmly deny any affiliation with Hamas, will remain in custody until at least Sunday.

Madrid denies the accusations

The accusations made by Israel have sparked strong international condemnation. Madrid, in particular, has denounced the complete lack of evidence establishing a link between its citizen and the Palestinian movement in power in Gaza. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has demanded explanations and the immediate release of his compatriot. This case is reigniting diplomatic tensions surrounding the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, which international organizations have deemed insufficient since the beginning of the conflict.

Strict control of maritime aid

The interception of this flotilla is part of an Israeli strategy to strictly control attempts to supply Gaza by sea. The authorities claim to be acting to prevent any infiltration of military equipment or support for Hamas. Those who defend these maritime convoys, however, denounce an illegal blockade that hinders civilian access to essential goods. The Israeli court will rule on Sunday on a possible further extension of the detention or on the release of the two activists.