Israel extends detention of Gaza aid flotilla activists

An Israeli court has extended the detention of two foreign activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla by a further two days.

According to reports, the flotilla—comprising more than 50 vessels—had set sail from France, Spain and Italy to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian assistance.

Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters near Greece on Thursday, detaining around 175 activists.

Two individuals were transferred to Israel for further questioning, while the remaining detainees were handed over to Greek authorities.

The two activists, identified as Saif Abu Kashk from Spain and Thiago Avila, a Brazilian national, were presented before a court in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon on Sunday.

A foreign news agency reported that Mr Avila appeared in court with his hands cuffed behind his back, while Mr Abu Kashk had shackles placed on his feet.

Israeli authorities submitted a list of potential charges against the pair, including “assisting the enemy during wartime” and “membership of or support for a terrorist organisation”.