UN wants Israel to release Gaza flotilla activists, investigate allegations of atrocities | Israel-Palestine War News

Israel must ‘immediately and unconditionally’ release Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago de Avila, the spokesperson of the UN human rights office says.

The United Nations has called for the immediate release of two Gaza-bound human rights activists abducted by Israeli authorities last week, calling for an investigation into “disturbing reports of atrocities”.

Israel must “immediately and unconditionally” release freedom fighters Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago de Avila, where they continue to be held without charge, UN human rights spokesman Thameen al-Kheetan said on Wednesday.

Spaniards and Brazilians were among the activists who traveled to Gaza as part of the war. Global Sumud Flotillawho was defeated by the Israeli army in international waters from Greece on April 30.

Flotilla organizers say that of the approximately 180 activists, only two were taken to Israel, where they remain in prison.

“It is not a crime to show solidarity and try to bring aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza, who are in dire need,” al-Kheetan said. “The disturbing stories of the horrific torture of Abu Keshek and Avila must be investigated, and those responsible must be brought to justice.”

Israeli court on Tuesday he increased the arrest of the activists until May 10. They have been starving, drinking only water, since their abduction last Thursday, organizers said.

No criminal charges have been brought against the two men but they are accused of a number of charges, including connection to a “terrorist group and contact with foreign sponsors,” said Adalah, the Israeli rights group that represents them. he told Al Jazeera.

Adalah said Abu Keshek and Avila suffered severe torture while in Israeli custody that amounted to “torture”.

On Wednesday, Teresa Regina de Avila e Silva, Avila’s mother, died in Brasilia at the age of 63, the flotilla announced in a post on X. “She was a woman of incredible joy and great energy,” the flotilla said.

“She faced a terrible disease for many years with courage, poise, and dignity, guided by an unwavering will to live and surrounded by an unwavering devotion to her family.”

The Global Sumud Flotilla’s first trip to Gaza in August and September drew international attention before the Israeli military passed through Egypt and Gaza in early October.

Activists, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, were arrested and deported by the Israeli army.

UN spokesman al-Kheetan also said Israel’s use of arbitrary detentions and “clear and vague terrorist laws, incompatible with international human rights law”.

He added that the blockade of Gaza must end and that sufficient humanitarian aid must be allowed to enter the fence.