Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The UN human rights office has called on Israel to immediately release two Global Sumud Flotilla members, Saif Abukeshek and Thiago de Avila, detained in international waters by Israeli forces and held without charge. The flotilla, consisting of nearly 60 vessels from Spain, France, and Italy, was intercepted off the Greek coast on April 30 while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, which faces severe shortages of essential supplies after prolonged conflict and blockade.
Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), stated that showing solidarity and delivering aid to Palestinians in Gaza is not a crime. The office also highlighted reports of severe mistreatment of the detainees and called for thorough investigation and accountability.
The UN rights office urged Israel to end practices of arbitrary detention and the use of broad terrorism legislation, which it said are inconsistent with international human rights law. The statement emphasized the need for Israel to lift its blockade on Gaza and allow more substantial humanitarian aid into the region.