UN Demands Israel Release Gaza Flotilla Activists, Investigate Abuse Claims

06/05/2026

The United Nations has called for the immediate release of two Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotilla activists abducted by Israeli authorities last week, calling for an investigation into the “disturbing accounts of severe mistreatment”. 
  
Israel must “immediately and unconditionally” release activists Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila, who continue to be held without charge, UN rights office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said in a statement on Wednesday. 
 
The Spanish and Brazilian nationals were among dozens of activists who had set sail for Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off Greece on April 30. 
 
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