UN Human Rights Office Demands Israel Immediately and Unconditionally Release Gaza Flotilla Activists

The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) formally demanded on May 6, 2026 that Israel 'immediately and unconditionally' release flotilla activists Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Ávila. OHCHR spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan issued the statement after an Israeli court extended both men's detention until May 10 without charge. The UN statement noted that both men had alleged abuse — including being held in stress positions, blindfolded, and subjected to sleep deprivation — and called on Israel to conduct an immediate, independent investigation into the abuse claims. Al Jazeera reported the full OHCHR statement. The UN Human Rights Office cited both Israeli law and UNCLOS, under which the flotilla interception in international waters may have been unlawful, as grounds for immediate release. The statement also noted that the Global Sumud Flotilla was carrying humanitarian aid intended for Gaza under a recognized international relief framework. The European Parliament passed a non-binding resolution the same day calling on EU member states to impose targeted sanctions on Israeli officials responsible for ordering the flotilla interception, though the resolution is not legally binding on national governments. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy separately called the ongoing detention 'deeply troubling' and urged Israel to allow full consular access to both men.