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