A total of 60 members of the Global Sumud Flotilla have started a hunger strike to demand the immediate release of two comrades intercepted during a naval operation. The detainees are activist Saif Abu Keshek and the Brazilian Thiago Ávila. Israeli authorities have confirmed the transfer of both to Hebrew territory while the circumstances of the boarding are being investigated.
Conditions during detention and accusations about treatment
The maritime organization reports that the detained crew remained for 40 hours aboard a military vessel in Greek waters. According to the filed complaints, they were denied access to water and food during that period. They also claim they were forced to rest on a deliberately flooded deck. Additionally, they point out that they suffered assaults with fists and kicks while being dragged with their hands tied behind their backs.
"Bring back the two activists, they are in mortal danger, their lives are at real risk" - Mi Hoa Lee, Global Sumud Flotilla
The statements correspond to the activist who warns that the Hebrew authorities accuse Abu Keshek of alleged terrorist affiliation and Ávila of illegal activities. The Spanish government has requested the immediate release of the Spanish citizen and describes his detention as irregular. The Minister of Foreign Affairs maintains constant contact with his Israeli and Greek counterparts to demand respect for international legality.
Territorial Linkage and Institutional Response
Saif Abu Keshek is a resident of Barcelona and the father of three minor children. He holds the position of secretary of international relations in a pacifist organization and coordinates the European action of the flotilla. The institutional spokesperson assures that the capture took place in international waters and interprets the measure as an attempt to discourage future maritime campaigns through exemplary detentions. The authorities maintain diplomatic channels open to guarantee the rights of the naturalized citizen.
Urban Mobility and Operational Continuity
The demonstrations called on land to protest against the boarding resulted in clashes that culminated in police charges and the throwing of objects. Far from stopping the campaign, the organization confirms that the fleet remains operational from Greece. Currently, there are 32 vessels anchored in Crete under an established protocol to transfer operational command. The humanitarian route is scheduled to resume on May fifth.
"We continue on mission, we are 32 boats anchored in Crete and we continue forward" - Mi Hoa Lee, Global Sumud Flotilla
The declaration closes the account on the current state of the expedition while the demand to return the two detained activists persists. The organizers reiterate that this is a strictly humanitarian shipment and regret that the presence of naval forces is necessary due to the absence of institutional responses to the situation in Palestine.