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
Archiv: Spanien / Spain
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.
Germany: Trial of ‚Ulm Five‘ protesters accused of Elbit break-in postponed
Known by the name „Ulm Five“, the activists allegedly entered the factory on the 8 September 2025 by smashing a glass facade and subsequently destroyed office equipment, including computers, screens and telephones.
Shortly after, the five were arrested and have since been held in pretrial detention in different prisons across southern Germany.
‘Extraordinarily far-reaching’ Palestine Action trial gets underway in Germany
(April 28, 2026)
In the early hours of Sept. 8, 2025, a group of activists wearing black hoodies that bore the red and white logo of Palestine Action broke into the offices of Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems in Ulm, southern Germany.
Once inside the compound, according to prosecutors, they damaged and partly destroyed furniture, windows, and technical equipment with axes; sprayed slogans on the walls; lit pyrotechnics; and chanted “Free, free Palestine” and “Germany finances, Israel bombs.” As visible from the activists’ own filming of the break-in, no one was harmed during the action. They remained on site and called the police, who later detained them.
Since their arrest, the five activists — Daniel Tatlow-Devally (an Irish citizen), Leandra Rollo (a Spanish citizen), Crow Tricks and Zo Hailu (British citizens), and Vi Kovarbasic (a German citizen) — have been held in pre-trial detention in separate prisons across southern Germany.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
Trump threatens to pull some US troops from Germany, Italy and Spain amid spat over Iran war
“The United States is studying and reviewing the possible reduction of Troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform Wednesday night.
On Thursday, he expanded his threat to Italy and Spain. “I mean, they haven’t been exactly on board,” Trump answered, when asked about the possibility of cuts to troop levels in the two countries. “Yeah, probably will,” Trump added, “Why shouldn’t I? Italy has not been of any help. Spain has been horrible. Absolutely.”
Spanish parliament rejects proposal for new referendum on NATO membership
(April 22, 2026)
The proposal for “holding a referendum on the continuation of Spain’s NATO membership” was voted down by the ruling coalition’s main partner, the Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), as well as opposition parties including the Popular Party (PP), far-right Vox, the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), and Junts for Catalonia.
The junior coalition partner Sumar abstained, while only the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) and the Basque alliance Bildu supported the initiative alongside Podemos.
Keine Panik
Zwar fällt die Rhetorik von Spaniens Premier Pedro Sánchez tatsächlich recht scharf aus. Sein »Nein zum Krieg« ließ ihn hierzulande als jemanden mit »Cojones«, also Mut, erscheinen. Doch im Grunde geht es dem spanischen Sozialdemokraten bloß darum, seine Wähler zu beeindrucken. Dass er es nicht allzu ernst meint, stellte seine Partei am Mittwoch klar. An diesem Tag stimmte das spanische Parlament auf Vorschlag von Podemos über ein mögliches Referendum zum Austritt aus der NATO ab. Die Partei von Sánchez stimmte geschlossen dagegen und demonstrierte einmal mehr ihre transatlantische Verlässlichkeit: Wir liefern weiter.
Donald Trump Angers NATO Ally U.K. Before King Charles‘ Visit with Push to Help Argentina Reclaim Falkland Islands
(April 24, 2026)
Reuters reported on Friday, April 24, that a recent internal Pentagon email had outlined options for the U.S. to punish NATO allies that it believes have inadequately supported its military operations in Iran.
According to the report, the Defense Department has suggested that the U.S. reassess its support for European “imperial possessions,” including the Falkland Islands, and consider suspending Spain’s NATO membership.
US considers suspending Spain from NATO, reported internal email suggests
An email has circulated within the United States Department of Defense laying out potential measures Washington could take against NATO allies it believes have not sufficiently supported its war on Iran, such as Spain and the United Kingdom, according to a US official quoted by the Reuters news agency.
Spain, Slovenia, Ireland seek EU talks on Israel treaty suspension
The three countries sent a joint letter to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas last Friday, urging her to “urgently review the EU‘s response” and calling for action in light of the situation in Lebanon, as well as a recently approved Israeli law that would impose the death penalty by hanging on Palestinians convicted in Israeli military courts.
Spain, Slovenia, Ireland call to suspend EU-Israel treaty
Spain, Slovenia, and Ireland have urged the European Union to consider suspending its association treaty with Israel, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told reporters on Tuesday before a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.
„Spain, along with Slovenia and Ireland, has requested that the suspension of the Association Agreement between the European Union and Israel be discussed and debated today,“ Albares said.
Spain Reopens Tehran Embassy Amid Peace Efforts
Spain is reopening its embassy in Tehran as part of its initiative to promote peace amidst the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, announced Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. The move is seen as a strategic effort to engage directly with Iran from within its capital.
US- und NATO-Militärbasis in Ramstein schließen
(March 12, 2026)
In einem Gutachten des Wissenschaftlichen Dienstes des Bundestages zur Austrittsfrage heißt es im letzten Satz verräterisch offen:
„Sowohl der Aufenthaltsvertrag als auch das NATO-Truppenstatut können aufgekündigt werden. Nach Nr. 3 der Vereinbarung vom 25. September 1990 zu dem Vertrag über den Aufenthalt ausländischer Streitkräfte in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland kann die Bundesrepublik Deutschland den Aufenthaltsvertrag in Bezug auf eine oder mehrere Vertragsparteien unter Einhaltung einer Frist von zwei Jahren beenden. Nach Art. XIX Abs. 1 und 3 NATO-Truppenstatut kann jede Vertragspartei das Abkommen mit einer Frist von einem Jahr nach Eingang der Notifizierung bei der Regierung der USA kündigen. Obwohl die Möglichkeit einer Kündigung rechtlich besteht, dürfte sie politisch nicht gangbar sein.“
Spanien hat gezeigt, dass man den USA die Nutzung ihrer Basen für völkerrechtswidrige Kriege verwehren kann. Es ist höchste Zeit, dass auch wir in Deutschland eine Bewegung zur Schließung dieser Kriegsenklaven der USA und zum Austritt aus einem Militärpakt, der allein helfen soll, die US-Hegemonie auf unsere Kosten abzusichern, verstärken.
Spain‘s Sanchez slams double standards on Ukraine, Gaza and Lebanon
(March 25, 2026)
Speaking before Spain‘s lower house of parliament, Sanchez challenged the selective application of principles.
„What we cannot do is condemn the invasion of Ukraine … and applaud Iran‘s attacks,“ Sanchez said. „We cannot demand respect for Greenland‘s territorial integrity and remain silent when territorial integrity is violated in Gaza or Lebanon.“
Pedro Sanchez – Europe’s only anti-war Prime Minister
The Spanish leader, who describes Israel’s atrocities in Gaza as genocide, has characterised the U.S.-Israel war on Iran as a violation of international law, becoming the only European head of government to publicly reject the war on principle