Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has condemned the arrest of a Spanish activist by Israeli forces as an “illegal detention” and a “kidnapping.” The activist, Saif Abu Keshek, was taken into custody when an aid flotilla bound for Gaza was intercepted in international waters off the coast of Crete on Wednesday.
Albares demanded Keshek’s immediate release during an interview with Spanish radio station RAC 1, stating that the detention occurred outside Israel’s jurisdiction and was therefore unlawful. “Of course it is a kidnapping,” he added.
The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed earlier that Keshek and Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila have been brought to Israel for questioning. They were among more than 170 people detained when vessels from the flotilla were stopped. The other detainees have since been released.
Spain’s strong condemnation adds to international pressure on Israel regarding the incident, which has drawn criticism from human rights groups and several governments.
