Spain and Brazil Accuse Israel of ‘Kidnapping’ Citizens During Gaza Flotilla Raid

Reflecto News | Breaking News | Middle East

MADRID/BRASILIA — Spain and Brazil have formally accused Israel of “kidnapping” their citizens after the Israeli navy intercepted a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza in international waters off the coast of Crete, Greece, detaining dozens of activists and transferring two high-profile organizers to Israel for questioning over alleged terror links.

The incident has sparked a major diplomatic crisis, with Madrid and Brasília demanding the immediate release of their nationals and several other nations condemning the raid as a violation of international law.

🤝 The ‘Kidnapping’ Accusation

While around 175 activists were released, two members of the flotilla’s steering committee—Spanish-Swedish citizen of Palestinian origin Saif Abukeshek and Brazilian citizen Thiago Ávila—remain in Israeli custody. Israeli authorities confirmed they are being transferred to Israel for questioning, alleging Abukeshek is “suspected of affiliation with a terrorist organization” and Ávila is “suspected of illegal activity,” though they have provided no evidence .

The governments of Spain and Brazil issued a rare joint statement condemning Israel’s actions: “This flagrantly illegal action by the Israeli authorities outside their jurisdiction constitutes a violation of International Law, which may be invoked before international courts, and may constitute a crime in our respective national jurisdictions” .

Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares went further, denouncing the detention of Abukeshek as “illegal” and warning that the incident comes at a moment of already deteriorating ties between Madrid and Jerusalem. Both countries have withdrawn their ambassadors .

“It is an episode that further strains our relationship… because of how unacceptable this situation is; because a state does not conduct itself in this manner,” Albares told Spanish radio .

🚢 The Flotilla Interception

The Global Sumud Flotilla, described as the largest coordinated civilian maritime mission to date, comprised approximately 58 vessels carrying around 1,000 activists from dozens of countries, including physicians, journalists, and engineers . The mission set sail from Barcelona, Spain, earlier in April, with additional vessels joining from France and Italy .

Its stated goal was to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and “break the illegal siege” Israel has maintained on the territory since 2007 .

The Israeli navy intercepted the flotilla in international waters near Crete, hundreds of miles from Israel . Flotilla organizers claimed Israeli forces used “semiautomatic weapons” and lasers to order participants to the front of their vessels .

“We’re hundreds of miles from Gaza, sitting ducks in international waters with our phones and electronics disabled,” one activist posted on social media during the raid .

Israel defended the interception, citing the flotilla’s size: “Due to the large numbers of vessels participating in the flotilla and the risk of escalation, and the need to prevent the breach of a lawful blockade, an early action was required in accordance with international law,” the Foreign Ministry said .

🏥 ‘Condoms and Drugs’ or ‘Honey and Pepper Spray’?

The Israeli Foreign Ministry mocked the flotilla as a “PR stunt,” releasing video it claimed showed “condoms and drugs” found aboard one of the vessels . Flotilla organizers dismissed the allegations, stating that the medical aid consisted of medicines, honey, proteins, milk powder, and pepper spray for self-defense .

“The initial claim of discovering drugs is false and a desperate attempt by the Israeli government to mislead the public,” the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement .

🌍 International Fallout

Beyond Spain and Brazil, the raid drew widespread international condemnation. Italy’s Foreign Ministry called the interception “naval piracy,” and UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese called for urgent European action, warning that “Allowing the targeting of ships in international waters near Europe raises serious questions about the level of compliance with international law” .

Anouar El-Anouni, a spokesperson for the European Commission, also decried Israel for “once again violating international law, including humanitarian law and the law of the sea” .

However, the United States backed Israel’s decision, with State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott calling the flotilla a “meaningless political stunt” .

The Greek government, which had been facilitating the flotilla’s journey, asked Israel to withdraw its ships from the area and offered its “good services” to repatriate the released activists .

🪪 What Happens Next

Spain and Brazil have demanded immediate consular access to Abukeshek and Ávila and have insisted on their “immediate return” .

Both countries have suggested they may pursue legal action against Israel in international courts, and the incident further complicates already tense relations between Israel and Spain, which have deteriorated sharply since the Gaza war began .

As of Saturday, Israel has not responded to the “kidnapping” accusations, but Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has maintained that activists were “taken off the vessels… unharmed” .

📋 Key Takeaways

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