Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has demanded the immediate release of Saif Abukeshek, a Spanish-Swedish national of Palestinian origin, who was detained during an Israeli raid on a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza. Albares called the detention 'illegal' and described it as a 'kidnapping,' as it occurred in international waters off the coast of Crete.

Israeli naval forces stormed 22 vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, detaining 175 activists before transferring them to Greece. However, Abukeshek and Brazilian Thiago Avila were taken to Israel for 'questioning,' with Israeli authorities claiming they have ties to Hamas. Albares countered that Israel has provided no evidence to support this allegation.

The Global Sumud Flotilla alleged that Abukeshek was tortured aboard an Israeli military vessel. The Adalah legal center, which visited both detainees at Shikma Prison, reported harrowing testimonies of physical violence, including being kept hand-tied, blindfolded, and forced to lie face-down for extended periods, resulting in bruising. Avila reportedly was dragged face-down and beaten so severely that he lost consciousness twice.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez directly addressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating, 'We demand the release of the Spanish citizen who has been unlawfully detained by Netanyahu's government.' Sanchez emphasized Spain's commitment to protecting its citizens and upholding international law.

The incident has drawn international condemnation, with Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeling it an 'act of piracy.' Spain's consul in Tel Aviv was permitted to visit Abukeshek on Saturday, while both detainees are scheduled to appear in court on Sunday for a hearing to extend their detention. They have reportedly begun a hunger strike, consuming only water.

Source: www.aljazeera.com