Archiv: 29-04-2026 Israeli military hijacks Global Sumud Flotilla vessels in international waters / crews abducted / inhumane treatment / two sailors held captive in Israeli prison until May 10


25.05.2026 - 12:10 [ Global Sumud Flotilla ]

Global Sumud Flotilla Releases Horrific, Newly Emerging Testimonies as Survivors Return Home

May 24, 2026 INTERNATIONAL – As civilian participants from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) begin landing in their respective home countries and some continue their recovery in Istanbul, the full, devastating scale of the violence executed by the israeli Occupation Forces (iOF) is being laid bare. Following the most recent unlawful interception of the flotilla in international waters on 18 May, newly emerging and harrowing testimonies confirm a coordinated campaign of systematic torture, severe physical and psychological trauma, and targeted gender-based and sexual violence.

(The violence reported in this release covers only the second of two illegal israeli interceptions that took place during the Spring 2026 flotilla mission; the first attack took place on 29 April off the coast of Crete, which also had numerous reports of sexual violence, rape and physical injuries including 35 people requiring medical care for broken noses, ribs and injuries from rubber bullets deployed by it iOF.)

20.05.2026 - 07:53 [ Abna24.com ]

Turkish Parliament Speaker Calls for Suspension of Israel‘s UN Membership

(April 18, 2026)

The Turkish official drew a direct historical parallel to the global response against Apartheid South Africa, which saw its credentials suspended by the UN General Assembly in 1974. „Just as the world united to suspend South Africa‘s membership over its racist, criminal policies, we must now act with the same resolve against the Israeli regime for its identical treatment of the Palestinian people,“ he argued. „This is not merely a regional dispute; it is a litmus test for the credibility of the international legal order.“

20.05.2026 - 07:44 [ Middle East Eye ]

Turkey says Israel should be suspended from UN General Assembly

(August 25, 2025)

On 27 September 1974, the UN Credentials Committee rejected South Africa’s credentials, a routine procedure before General Assembly meetings.

Three days later, the General Assembly passed Resolution 3207, urging the Security Council to review South Africa’s membership in light of its constant violations of the Charter.

Although the Security Council vetoed the resolution, in November of that year the president of the General Assembly, Algeria’s Abdelaziz Bouteflika, ruled that, given the Credentials Committee’s decision and the adoption of Resolution 3207, the General Assembly would refuse to allow South Africa’s delegation to participate in its work.

South Africa remained suspended from the General Assembly until June 1994, following the end of apartheid.

Activists argue that the UN General Assembly could apply the same process to Israel. They note that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July 2024 issued an advisory opinion declaring Israel’s decades-long occupation of Palestinian territories “unlawful” and its near-complete segregation of populations in the West Bank a breach of international law on “racial segregation” and “apartheid”.

20.05.2026 - 07:23 [ Wafa.ps ]

Albanese: Israel’s actions in Palestine constitute genocide, calls for Israel’s suspension from the UN

(March 8, 2025)

Albanese went on to clarify that UNRWA cannot disappear because it is a UN body protected by international law. „Member states cannot eliminate it by changing laws or cutting funding, as Israel and other countries have attempted. The rights of Palestinian refugees will remain intact because those rights are codified in international law.“

She also raised the issue of Israel’s violations against the UN, citing the destruction of 70% of UN premises in Gaza and the targeting of UNRWA schools, which had been sheltering refugees. „Israel has violated the UN Charter, and it must be held accountable for its actions. I have called for the suspension of Israel‘s credentials in the UN because of its disregard for international rules and laws. Israel has destroyed or damaged UN premises, targeted shelters, and accused the UN of terrorism.“

20.05.2026 - 07:08 [ EastLeighVoice.co.ke ]

Arab, Islamic leaders call for suspension of Israel‘s UN membership

(November 12, 2024)

„There is a paragraph in this text that I find very important and vital, a paragraph that talks about moving before the General Assembly to freeze Israel‘s membership,“ Aboul Gheit said.
He reminded the attendees that, despite ongoing regional conflicts, the UN has never revisited Israel‘s 1949 admission under Resolution 181.

“Today, the Islamic group and the Arab group are two organisations moving before the international community, and I am confident that there are many countries that will support the idea of freezing membership,” he added expressing optimism that the proposal would garner widespread backing.

20.05.2026 - 07:00 [ MaktoobMedia.com ]

Malaysia prepares draft resolution to expel Israel from UN

(November 6, 2024)

Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced that Malaysia is preparing a draft resolution for the UN General Assembly to expel Israel from the United Nations.

“We are also studying (a proposal)… after the violation of laws, principles and UN decisions, for Israel to be expelled as a member of the UN,” Anwar told parliament in a special address on Monday.

20.05.2026 - 06:53 [ theGuardian.com ]

Israel is a rogue nation. It should be removed from the United Nations

(October 15, 2024)

Over the past year, Israel has launched attacks on multiple countries and occupied territories: the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iran.

Yet countries and territories aside, Israel has also targeted one specific organization with a series of unprecedented rhetorical and violent attacks.

Yes, the United Nations. We have all witnessed Israel, in effect, declare war on the UN.

10.05.2026 - 06:58 [ i24News.tv ]

Israel deports Gaza flotilla activists Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Ávila

Following a multi-week investigation, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Gaza flotilla activists Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Ávila were deported from Israel

08.05.2026 - 09:00 [ Global Sumud Flotilla ]

The Global Global Sumud Flotilla Demands Immediate Release of Political Prisoner Saif Abukeshek As Swedish Embassy Visit Reveals Threats, Abuse, and Deteriorating Health in israeli Detention

The international community must understand the gravity of this moment. israel is holding a Palestinian activist seized in international waters without charge, threatening his children and family, psychologically tormenting him during interrogations, and allowing his health to deteriorate during a dry hunger strike.

The Global Sumud Flotilla calls on:

– The Swedish government to immediately demand Saif’s release and publicly condemn his treatment;

– International human rights organizations and legal bodies to intervene before irreversible harm is done;

– Media outlets worldwide to expose the reality of what is happening inside the Shikma detention facility for decades;

– People of conscience everywhere to raise urgent public pressure for Saif’s release and the release of Thiago and all Palestinian hostages and political prisoners

– Accountability of all those involved in these ongoing abuses and crimes against humanity against Saif, Thiago and all Palestinians.

08.05.2026 - 08:55 [ Global Sumud Flotilla ]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (TRIGGER WARNING) Reports of Severe Physical and Sexual Violence by IOF Soldiers Against Participants Emerge Following Illegal israeli Interception of the Flotilla Last Week

MEDITERRANEAN SEA — The Global Sumud Flotilla is releasing preliminary first-hand testimonies detailing a pattern of severe physical and sexual violence and systematic degradation perpetrated against civilian participants following the interception of the flotilla in international waters. These accounts, gathered following the release of 179 participants to Greek authorities, indicate a reliance on physical violence and abuse, including sexual abuse, as tools of intimidation and control.

05.05.2026 - 21:00 [ Global Sumud Flotilla ]

Global Sumud Flotilla to Convene International Assembly in Türkiye

Marmaris, Türkiye — In its ongoing effort to break israel’s illegal siege of Gaza, the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) announces it will convene an International Assembly in Marmaris, Türkiye on May 9th and 10th, followed by a press conference on May 11th. This assembly marks a decisive moment for the movement as GSF participants, organizers, partners, and international experts will be gathering to reassess, deepen political strategy, and sharpen the mission’s trajectory.

05.05.2026 - 20:54 [ Reuters ]

Israeli court extends detention of two Gaza flotilla activists until May 10

„I am convinced that there is reasonable suspicion,“ Judge Yaniv Ben-Haroush concluded after hearing parties‘ arguments in granting the ​extension.
Lawyers for human rights group Adalah had argued during the hearing that the allegations were baseless and there were no legal grounds for the continued detention of the two men.

They said no formal charges have been filed, and their detention was for purposes of ongoing interrogation.

05.05.2026 - 01:48 [ Global Sumud Flotilla ]

BREAKING: israeli Forces Attempting to Intercept Freedom Flotilla Coalition Boats off the Coast of Greece; U.S. Lockheed Martin Aircraft and Drones Circle FFC Vessels

May 4, 2026 – MEDITERRANEAN SEA — The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) has received harrowing field reports confirming that the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) fleet, currently off the Coast of Greece to join the GSF in a unified mission to Gaza, is under active military surveillance and intimidation. Chronology of Tactical Escalation:

– 19:27 Palestine Time: Four FFC vessels reported a military helicopter circling their position.

– 21:53 Palestine Time: Participants reported the presence of three drones and an unidentified ship in the distance that has deliberately turned off its navigation lights.

– Tactical Surveillance: Marine Traffic data confirms a U.S. Lockheed Martin plane flew directly over the fleet shortly before the latest escalation.

– Current Status: Participants now report seeing unidentified boats and white lights approaching the FFC fleet from the rear.

05.05.2026 - 01:37 [ Freedom Flotilla Coalition ]

Freedom Flotilla Defies Israeli Piracy and Terror at Sea, Launches New Vessels from Siracusa

SICILY | May 2, 2026 — Just days after Israel’s assault on unarmed civilian vessels in international waters near Crete, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) is pressing forward—not retreating. Today, four new vessels launched from Siracusa, determined not to give in to Israel’s violence and brutality.

Israel’s April 29 attack, carried out over 600 nautical miles (over 1100 km) from its shores, was not an act of “security.” It was piracy. It was state terrorism on the high seas. Sadly, the attack was not an isolated incident, but a pattern of lawlessness and aggression that has been enabled, normalized, and shielded by international inaction.

(…)

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition calls on the international community, civil society, and the media to demand accountability for Israel’s attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla. We call on all governments to guarantee safe passage for flotilla vessels and to uphold the basic principles of international law. And we call on all people of conscience: do not look away. We will not be deterred. We will not be silenced.

03.05.2026 - 20:59 [ Middle East Monitor ]

Israeli court extends detention of 2 Gaza-bound flotilla volunteers

However, their lawyers argued that “the entire legal process is fundamentally flawed and illegal,” the statement added.

No charges have been filed against either activists and they remain under interrogation at the pre-indictment stage, the group said.

03.05.2026 - 20:48 [ MSN.com ]

Israeli court extends detention of two Gaza aid flotilla activists by two days

Spain’s foreign minister on Saturday called for the immediate release of Saif Abukeshek, a dual Spanish-Swedish citizen of Palestinian origin, who was detained for questioning in Israel on Saturday along with Thiago Ávila of Brazil. A legal aid group said both men had launched a hunger strike. Dozens of other activists were picked up by the Greek coast guard following the Israeli action and taken to the island of Crete. (AP video shot by Ami Bentov)

02.05.2026 - 22:42 [ Freedom Flotilla ]

Freedom Flotilla Coalition Calls for the Immediate Release of Global Sumud Flotilla Organizers

We are particularly alarmed by the risk of abuse they now face in Israeli custody. Past treatment of detained flotilla participants has included documented cases of beatings, coercion, sexual assault, and rape. Given this record, there are serious concerns that Saif and Thiago could be subjected to similar violations, including torture or other forms of ill-treatment.

The reported attempt to link Saif Abu Kishek to “terrorism” follows Israel’s well-established pattern of using baseless security allegations to justify the repression of Palestinians and those in solidarity with them. Such accusations must be viewed in light of Israel’s systematic discrimination and apartheid regime.

This incident is yet another example of Israel’s ongoing disregard for international law. The global community cannot continue to respond with silence and inaction. States have a legal and moral obligation to act to uphold the rule of law, to ensure accountability, and to bring an end to Israel’s unchecked aggression and crimes against humanity.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition stands in full solidarity with Saif, Thiago, and all those who risk their safety to defend freedom, dignity, and human rights.

02.05.2026 - 21:31 [ Wral.com ]

Activists’ detention deepens Spain-Israel tensions as aid group says men have begun hunger strike

Spain’s foreign minister on Saturday called for the immediate release of an activist detained by Israel after an aid flotilla bound for Gaza was intercepted by the Israeli navy in international waters.

Saif Abukeshek, a dual Spanish-Swedish citizen of Palestinian origin, was detained for questioning in Israel on Saturday along with Thiago Ávila of Brazil. A legal aid group said both men had launched a hunger strike.

02.05.2026 - 21:25 [ Euronews.com ]

Two flotilla detainees arrive in Israel amid fears for Spaniard Abu Keshek

Israel has confirmed that Spanish activist Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian Thiago Ávila, detained during the raid on the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, are now in Israeli territory awaiting questioning. Spain deems the arrest illegal.

02.05.2026 - 16:38 [ Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperacion / Foreign Ministry of Spain ]

Comunicado España-Brazil sobre secuestro aguas internacionales

Los Gobiernos de España y de Brasil condenan en los términos más
enérgicos el secuestro de dos de sus ciudadanos en aguas internacionales
por parte del Gobierno de Israel.

Ambos se encontraban a bordo de embarcaciones de la flotilla Sumud,
interceptadas por fuerzas israelíes en aguas internacionales, y no fueron
liberados cuando se produjo la aprehensión de dichas naves ni tras el
posterior desembarco de los pasajeros y tripulantes en la isla de Creta.

Esta acción flagrantemente ilegal de las autoridades israelíes fuera de su
jurisdicción constituye un atropello al Derecho Internacional, susceptible de
ser invocado ante tribunales internacionales, y puede constituir un delito
en nuestras respectivas jurisdicciones nacionales.

Los Gobiernos de España y Brasil exigen al Gobierno de Israel el retorno
inmediato de sus ciudadanos con plenas garantías de seguridad, y que se
facilite el acceso consular inmediato para su asistencia y protección

02.05.2026 - 16:30 [ Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperacion / Foreign Ministry of Spain ]

Joint Statement by Spain and Brazil on Abduction in International Waters

​The Governments of Spain and Brazil condemn in the strongest possible terms the abduction of two of their citizens in international waters by the Government of Israel.
Both were on board vessels of the Sumud flotilla, which were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, and were not released when the vessels were seized nor after the subsequent disembarkation of the passengers and crew on the island of Crete.

This flagrantly illegal action by the Israeli authorities outside their jurisdiction constitutes a violation of international law, which may be invoked before international courts, and may constitute a criminal offence under our respective national laws.
​
The Governments of Spain and Brazil demand that the Government of Israel immediately return their citizens with full guarantees of safety, and that immediate consular access be granted for their assistance and protection.

02.05.2026 - 16:04 [ NovaraMedia.com ]

Flotilla Activists Beaten and Shot at by IDF, With 34 Hospitalised in Greece

34 wounded participants – including two Brits – have been taken to hospital in Crete, flotilla organisers said, with broken bones and other injuries. One participant was reportedly knocked unconscious for several minutes, while another has serious injuries to their neck. Several have broken ribs and noses, and some appear to be wearing blood-stained clothes.

Nearly 200 others are still being held on buses by Greek authorities, with the government accused of “cooperating fully” with Israel.

02.05.2026 - 15:34 [ Middle East Eye ]

Turkish activist slams Israel’s illegal interception of Gaza aid flotilla, calls it ‘piracy’

Turkish activist Suayb Ordu says Israeli forces “kidnapped” Global Sumud Flotilla activists in international waters, calling it an “outright piracy.”

Ordu emphasised that they were subjected to torture and abuse by Israel, being forced to cram into containers and treated like “animals.”

On Wednesday, Israeli forces seized 22 Gaza-bound ships carrying humanitarian aid and detained over 180 activists, in what organisers from the Global Sumud Flotilla described as an act of “piracy”.

02.05.2026 - 15:07 [ Global Sumud Flotilla ]

Global Sumud Flotilla Demands Urgent EU Intervention After Two Civilians Abducted and Disappear

(May 1, 2026)

Saif Abukeshek (a Spanish and Swedish national of Palestinian origin) and Thiago Ávila (a Brazilian national), civilian flotilla participants sailing under an Italian vessel, have not been heard from since the interception. Their whereabouts, legal status, and physical condition remain unknown.

First-hand testimony from participants reveals that Abukeshek was on an observer boat, which was never intended to go to Gaza, and was harshly beaten before being removed and isolated from the rest of the participants; he has not been heard from since.

There is credible reason to believe that both individuals may still be in or near Greek waters, potentially aboard an Israeli naval vessel. Despite the gravity of the situation, no authority has confirmed their location or whether they have access to legal counsel, consular support, or basic legal protections.

02.05.2026 - 15:05 [ Jerusalem Post ]

Most Gaza flotilla activists disembark in Greece, Israel brings two in for questioning

Saif Abu Keshek is suspected of affiliation with a terrorist organization, while Thiago Ávila is suspected of illegal activity.

01.05.2026 - 14:45 [ Global Sumud Flotilla ]

Global Land Mobilizations Erupt in Defiance of israeli State Piracy at Sea; Civilians Across the Globe Rise to Defend the Right to Break israel’s Illegal Siege of Gaza

(April 30, 2026)

Mediterranean Sea — More than 200 land mobilizations have been organized globally, with even more coming up by the moment on the heels of israel’s violent kidnapping and sabotage of the Global Sumud Flotilla. From major capital cities to port towns, people are taking to the streets, livid at the escalation of israel’s impunity, continuous war crimes, breaking of international laws, and outright piracy committed by their naval forces — a maritime extension of the same doctrine of starvation and destruction deployed against the Palestinian people for decades.

01.05.2026 - 14:37 [ Global Sumud Flotilla ]

israel Detains Flotilla Participants In International Waters– Exporting Its Tactics of Engineered Destruction

April 30, 2026 – Mediterranean Sea – Last night, the world witnessed israel exporting its military’s doctrine of engineered abandonment as israeli naval forces intercepted, boarded, and systematically disabled and destroyed various boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla. In a violent raid in international waters.

Over 180 civilians from around the world have been directly attacked. After detaining participants, smashing an engine and jamming communications, the IOF retreated, kidnapping participants or intentionally leaving civilians stranded on powerless, broken vessels directly in the path of a massive approaching storm.

The logic deployed by israel last night is a snapshot into the relentless years-long campaign of starvation and slaughter of Palestinians: they actively carry out the massacres and war crimes with impunity, or sabotage the means of survival, leaving it to „nature“ or „circumstance“ to finish the job. The world cannot watch as israel continues its genocide of Palestinians and violates countless international laws with impunity.