In a statement issued in Geneva, OHCHR Spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said Activists Saif Abukeshek plus Thiago de Avila were detained in international waters and then taken to Israel, where Abukeshek plus de Avila “continue to be held without charge”.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is described as a civil society initiative seeking to deliver aid to Gaza by sea. News reports cited by OHCHR indicated interception by Israeli forces off the Greek coast on April 30, with the flotilla reportedly involving nearly 60 vessels from Spain, France plus Italy.

Reports also indicated that an Israeli court in Ashkelon accepted a request to extend detention until next Sunday. “Israel must immediately plus unconditionally release,” Abukeshek plus de Avila, Al-Kheetan said.

The call comes amid growing concern over restrictions on humanitarian access to Gaza, where severe shortages of food, medicine plus essential supplies have been reported after months of conflict plus blockade. “It is not a crime to show solidarity plus attempt to bring humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population in Gaza, who are in dire need of it,” Al-Kheetan said.

OHCHR also raised concern over allegations of mistreatment in detention. “Disturbing accounts of severe mistreatment” linked to Abukeshek plus de Avila require investigation, Al-Kheetan said, with accountability urged for any abuse found.

OHCHR further called for an end to practices described as inconsistent with international human rights standards, including the use of arbitrary detention, plus broadly plus vaguely defined terrorism legislation. OHCHR also renewed calls for an end to the Gaza blockade, plus for entry plus facilitation of humanitarian assistance “in sufficient amounts”.

–UN/ChannelAfrica–