MADRID and BRASILIA May 2, 2026 — The governments of Spain and Brazil have strongly condemned Israel, accusing it of “kidnapping” two of their citizens after Israeli naval forces intercepted a humanitarian flotilla in international waters near the Greek island of Crete. The incident, which occurred late Wednesday, involved the seizure of approximately 22 vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying aid intended for Gaza
Israeli forces detained around 175 activists from the flotilla, which organizers described as the largest aid convoy yet attempting to break Israel’s maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip. Most detainees were transferred to Crete and later released or repatriated. However, two high-profile organizers — Saif Abukeshek (a Spanish-Swedish national of Palestinian origin) and Thiago Ávila (a Brazilian national) — were taken to Israel for questioning, prompting the diplomatic backlash.
In a joint statement, Spain and Brazil called the detentions “blatantly illegal” and demanded the immediate release of their citizens, describing the actions as a criminal offense committed hundreds of miles from Israeli waters. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares demanded Abukeshek’s release, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accused Israel of violating international law. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government echoed the condemnation.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated that the two activists were suspected of links to terrorism and illegal activity, including alleged ties to Hamas for Abukeshek. Officials maintained that the interception was a lawful enforcement of the Gaza naval blockade to prevent potential material support for the militant group. The navy boarded the vessels, disabled engines on some, and detained participants before releasing the majority in Greece
Flotilla organizers and activists, however, described the raid as a “violent” operation in international waters, more than 600 miles (about 1,000 km) from Gaza. They reported that Israeli forces used force during the boarding, with some participants alleging beatings, denial of food and water, and other mistreatment during nearly 40 hours of detention. Several activists required medical attention upon release in Greece, with visible injuries reported.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which departed from European ports including Barcelona, involved dozens of vessels and activists from over 70 countries. Organizers said the mission was purely humanitarian, aimed at delivering aid amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
This latest incident echoes previous confrontations between Israeli forces and aid flotillas, including operations in 2010 and late 2025. Spain and Brazil have been vocal critics of Israel’s policies in Gaza, with both nations recognizing a Palestinian state and calling for an end to the blockade.
As of Saturday evening, Abukeshek and Ávila remain in Israeli custody. Diplomatic efforts by Madrid and Brasília continue, with support from some international human rights groups demanding their release. No immediate comment was available from Israeli officials on the accusations beyond their initial statements on the questioning.
The event has heightened tensions, with critics labeling it an act of “piracy” in international waters, while supporters of Israel view it as necessary security action against attempts to breach the blockade.
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