Gaza flotilla activists appear in Israeli court as detention is extended amid abuse allegations

Two Gaza-bound flotilla activists, Saif Abu Keshek (Spain) and Thiago Avila (Brazil), appeared in an Ashkelon court after being abducted by Israeli authorities following the Global Sumud Flotilla’s interception; the court extended their detention by two days for further interrogation with no charges filed yet, though authorities accuse them of ties to a terrorist organization and contact with foreign agents. Adalah says the proceedings are illegal and retaliatory and alleges severe abuse and torture during detention, while the activists are reportedly on hunger strike.