Israeli court extends detention of two Gaza flotilla activists
An Israeli court has extended the detention of two activists taken from a Gaza-bound flotilla, after their seizure in international waters last week.
Adalah, the rights group representing them, said the court in Ashkelon gave police an extra six days to question Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian national Thiago Ávila.
The pair were among about 175 activists detained when Israeli forces intercepted 22 boats near Greece.
Adalah said both men have been on hunger strike for six days.
It also said they have been held in isolation and blindfolded when taken out of their cells, including for medical procedures.
The case has drawn fresh attention because Spain and Brazil have said the detention is illegal and have demanded the men's release.
Israel has said Abu Keshek is suspected of affiliation with a terrorist group and that Ávila is suspected of illegal activity.
The flotilla, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, was carrying aid for Gaza.
The other activists detained in the operation were later released on the island of Crete, according to the report.
