Spain Urges Immediate Release of Citizen Detained in Gaza Aid Flotilla Raid

The government of Spain has called for the immediate release of a dual national detained by Israel following a raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares described the detention of Saif Abukeshek as “illegal” and went further to label it a “kidnapping,” stressing that the arrest took place outside Israeli jurisdiction. He urged Israeli authorities to free the activist without delay.

Abukeshek, a Palestinian-born Spanish-Swedish citizen, was among a group of international activists intercepted while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla initiative. Israeli forces reportedly seized multiple vessels in the Mediterranean Sea near Crete, detaining more than 170 people.

While most of the detainees were transferred to Greece, Abukeshek and Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila were taken to Israel for questioning. Israeli officials have alleged links between the activists and Hamas, though Spain says no evidence has been provided to support the claim.

Legal representatives who visited the detainees reported allegations of mistreatment, including physical abuse and prolonged restraint during their detention. Both activists have since begun a hunger strike in protest.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting its citizens and upholding international law, calling on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure the activist’s release.

The incident has drawn criticism from several governments and human rights groups, adding to tensions surrounding efforts to deliver aid to Gaza amid ongoing regional conflict.

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