An Israeli court extends the detention of two foreign activists arrested after an interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters, multiple outlets report. The activists—identified by a rights group and media as Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian national Thiago Avila—are held in Ashkelon and appear before the court for hearings as authorities continue “questioning.” Several reports say the detention is extended by about two days, with one outlet citing an extension until Sunday. Another report says a separate extension lasts longer, until May 10, after an earlier hearing.
Supporters and the activists’ legal representatives allege mistreatment or abuse while the detainees are in custody. The activists deny wrongdoing, and lawyers say they plan to appeal the court’s decision, describing it as unlawful. The reports describe an ongoing legal process that centers on whether Israeli authorities have sufficient grounds to detain the activists further while their cases proceed.
