A court in southern Israel has prolonged the detention of two international activists who were taken into custody following the interception of a humanitarian flotilla heading towards Gaza. The vessel group had been sailing in international waters as part of an attempt to deliver aid and draw attention to the continuing restrictions on the territory.

The two detainees, Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish-Swedish activist of Palestinian origin, and Brazilian organiser Thiago Ávila, were held after naval forces stopped several boats linked to the Global Sumud initiative. Their legal representative confirmed that a judge in Ashkelon extended their detention by a further 48 hours, despite arguments that the interception took place outside Israeli jurisdiction.

Legal advocacy groups involved in the case have challenged the legality of the arrests, stating that the flotilla was a civilian-led humanitarian mission operating beyond territorial waters. They argue that the detentions lack a lawful basis and form part of a broader pattern of restricting maritime attempts to reach Gaza. The activists themselves have reportedly described harsh treatment during custody, including physical coercion and isolation.

Following the interception, a large number of other participants were removed from the vessels and transferred to third countries, while the two remaining organisers were taken to detention facilities for questioning. Several European governments have raised concerns over the handling of their nationals, calling for clarification regarding the legal grounds for their continued detention.

The flotilla had been organised as part of an international effort to challenge long-standing maritime restrictions affecting Gaza, where humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate amid sustained military operations, displacement, and shortages of essential supplies.