Israeli Court Extends Detention of Gaza Flotilla Activists Until May 10

TL;DR: An Israeli court has extended the detention of two Gaza‑bound humanitarian activists until May 10, while they continue a water‑only hunger strike.

The Ashkelon Magistrates’ Court granted the state’s request to keep Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national, and Thiago Avila, a Brazilian, in custody through May 10. Both men were seized by Israeli forces on April 30 in international waters off Greece as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian aid convoy bound for Gaza.

Since their abduction, the activists have refused food, drinking only water. Their lawyers were denied access to the “secret evidence” cited by the court to justify the six‑day extension, and no formal charges have been filed. The detainees face accusations of links to a terrorist organization and contact with foreign agents, allegations their counsel calls baseless.

Human‑rights group Adalah described the ruling as “judicial validation of the state’s lawlessness.” The organization plans to appeal, arguing that Israeli domestic law does not apply to non‑citizens captured over 1,000 km from Gaza. Adalah also reported that the activists are held in total isolation, subjected to continuous high‑intensity lighting, and blindfolded during movements, including medical examinations.

The activists’ hunger strike began immediately after their detention. Their supporters, including flotilla organizers, have called for international pressure to secure their release, accusing Israel of kidnapping, beatings, and torture in Greek waters before transferring the men to Israeli custody.

Legal experts note that extending detention without charge, especially on secret evidence, raises questions about due‑process standards under international law. The case also highlights the broader controversy over Israel’s interception of aid vessels in international waters, a practice that has drawn criticism from multiple governments and NGOs.

What to watch next: Appeals filed by Adalah’s lawyers, any judicial review of the secret evidence, and potential diplomatic interventions as the May 10 deadline approaches.