The United Nations human rights office, OHCHR, has called on Israel to immediately release two members of the Global Sumud Flotilla who were detained in international waters. In a statement issued in Geneva, OHCHR spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan warned that showing solidarity with Palestinians and attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza is not a crime.
Detention of Activists
Activists Saif Abukeshek and Thiago de Avila were detained in international waters and brought to Israel, where they continue to be held without charge. The Global Sumud Flotilla, a civil society initiative, aims to deliver aid to Gaza by sea. It reportedly consists of nearly 60 vessels from Spain, France, and Italy and was intercepted by Israeli forces off the Greek coast on 30 April. According to news reports, an Israeli court in Ashkelon on Tuesday accepted a request by authorities to extend the detention of the pair until next Sunday.
UN Call for Release
Spokesperson Al-Kheetan stated, Israel must immediately and unconditionally release the two men. The call comes amid mounting international concern over restrictions on humanitarian access and aid to Gaza, where the population faces severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies after months of conflict and blockade. It is not a crime to show solidarity and attempt to bring humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population in Gaza, who are in dire need of it, Al-Kheetan added.
Allegations of Mistreatment
The UN rights office also raised alarm over allegations of abuse in detention. Disturbing accounts of severe mistreatment of Mr. Abukeshek and Mr. de Avila must be investigated, and those responsible must be brought to justice, Al-Kheetan said. The UN rights office further called on Israel to halt practices that violate international human rights standards. We call for an end to Israel's use of arbitrary detention and of broadly and vaguely defined terrorism legislation, inconsistent with international human rights law, the statement said.
Renewed Call for Humanitarian Access
It also renewed calls for much more extensive humanitarian access to Gaza. Israel must also end its blockade on Gaza and allow and facilitate the entry of humanitarian assistance to the besieged Palestinian strip, in sufficient amounts, Al-Kheetan added.
