Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez demanded on Friday the immediate release of Saif Abukeshek, a Spanish citizen held by Israel after intercepting a humanitarian flotilla to Gaza. While nearly 30 Spaniards have disembarked in Crete, Abukeshek and Brazilian Thiago Ávila were transferred to Israel. Spain condemns the action as a violation of international law.
The Israeli army intercepted 22 of the 58 vessels of the Global Sumud Freedom Flotilla on Thursday in international waters 100 kilometers west of Crete, detaining around 175 activists, including nearly 30 Spaniards. Most disembarked Friday on the Greek island, assisted by Spain's consul in Greece. Israel confirmed all activists except Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila are in Greece.
Abukeshek, of Palestinian origin with Spanish and Swedish nationality, lives in Barcelona and is an activist in groups like Global Movement to Gaza. Israel accuses him of belonging to a terrorist organization and transferred him as a suspect, along with Ávila for illegal activities. His wife Salli Issa urged Spain and Sweden to act quickly to prevent his entry into Israeli territory.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, at a rally in Cártama (Málaga), said: «I tell Netanyahu several things. The first is that Spain will always protect its citizens; the second, that we will always defend International Law and this is a new violation of International Law; and the third, that we want the freedom of the Spanish citizen who has been illegally kidnapped». Minister José Manuel Albares is in contact with Israel and Greece to demand his release.
Among the activists, three seriously injured—a Colombian with head injuries, a German with dizziness, and a Dutchman with a nasal fracture—were admitted in Heraklion. Another 28 with bruises were discharged. The Flotilla reported beatings during the 40 hours they were held.
