Spain Demands Israel Release 'Kidnapped' Gaza Flotilla Crew Member; Brazil Also Protests

Spain's government on May 2, 2026 formally demanded Israel release Saif Abu Keshek — a dual Spanish-Palestinian activist detained when Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla on April 29–30 in international waters near Crete, approximately 600 nautical miles from Gaza. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares characterized the detention as tantamount to 'kidnapping' and called for the activist's immediate and unconditional release, consistent with Spain's earlier declaration that the interception itself was 'illegal.' Brazil also filed a formal protest over the detention of Brazilian citizen Thiago Ávila, who was taken off an intercepted flotilla vessel. The two activists — Abu Keshek and Ávila — were transferred to Israeli custody and held at Ashkelon rather than being processed and released with the other 168 detainees who were brought to Crete. Spain's ambassador to Israel summoned Israeli officials for the second time in four days. The flotilla's organizing committee said 47 vessels that were not intercepted were continuing their voyage toward Gaza under international media observation. The Spanish government separately informed Israel that continued detention without charge violated EU-Israel Association Agreement provisions on consular access.