GAZA, (PIC)
The Hamas Movement has offered condolences to Brazilian activist Thiago Avila following the death of his mother, while he remains in Israeli detention after participating in the Freedom Flotilla mission aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Hamas praised Avila’s “steadfastness and commitment to defending Gaza and its people,” describing his activism as rooted in humanitarian values that support freedom and justice.
The Movement also called on the world community and international human rights organizations to pressure the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the immediate and unconditional release of Avila and fellow activist Saif Abu Keshk and to bring to account the Israeli officials responsible for the horrific violations committed against participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla.
According to rights groups, the two activists were detained after Israeli naval forces intercepted flotilla vessels in international waters near Greece during what organizers described as a civilian humanitarian mission to deliver aid to Gaza and challenge the blockade imposed on the territory.
The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said Avila and Abu Keshk appeared before an Israeli court in Ashkelon for a second hearing this week, where a judge extended their detention by six additional days despite no formal charges being filed.
Rights groups said Israeli prosecutors relied on broad security allegations and undisclosed evidence inaccessible to the detainees and their lawyers.
The accusations reportedly included “assisting the enemy during wartime,” contact with a foreign agent, and alleged links to a “terrorist organization”, claims both activists deny.
Euro-Med warned that the case reflects an “arbitrary criminalization of peaceful humanitarian work,” expressing concern over the activists’ treatment in custody.
Lawyers and released flotilla participants reported that both men were subjected to harsh physical and psychological abuse, including prolonged blindfolding, handcuffing, isolation, sleep deprivation, and exposure to constant bright lighting.
Witnesses also said Abu Keshk was separated from the other detainees and severely mistreated, while Avila reportedly lost consciousness twice after alleged assaults.
Both activists have reportedly been on hunger strike since 30 April in protest against their detention conditions.
The rights monitor stressed that intercepting unarmed civilian vessels in international waters and forcibly transferring foreign activists to Israel raises serious legal concerns under international maritime law and human rights standards.
