Occupied Palestine (QNN)- New testimony has revealed torture, beatings, and medical neglect of two international activists kidnapped by Israeli forces after intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, according to a statement by the Global Sumud Flotilla.
The group said Israeli forces kidnapped the activists near Crete before transferring them to Shikma Prison in Askalan, in occupied Palestine. The hostages, Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila, remain in custody without charges.
Brazilian officials have confirmed signs of abuse. The Brazilian embassy reported that Ávila showed visible injuries during a monitored visit. Diplomats said he described torture, beatings, and severe pain, especially in his shoulder. He could not speak freely during the visit, as authorities separated him from embassy staff by glass.
The embassy also raised concern over his medical condition. Although a doctor examined him, officials said he did not receive proper treatment. Brazil has demanded immediate medical care and clarification on the legal basis for his detention.
Ávila has been on a hunger strike since his abduction and is drinking only water. He has not received any formal charges, and his legal team has not yet secured full access to his case.
Abukeshek has also started a hunger strike. According to the flotilla group, he faced severe abuse while detained aboard the Israeli military vessel before his transfer to prison. Released participants have provided eyewitness accounts describing similar treatment.
The two men were the only activists not released after the interception of the flotilla. Their continued detention has raised concerns about arbitrary detention and violations of international law, including the prohibition of torture.
The Global Sumud Flotilla said European governments failed to act to protect the activists despite legal obligations. It stated that European authorities allowed the forced transfer of civilians from international waters into Israeli custody.
The group has called on the governments of Spain, Sweden, and Brazil to take urgent diplomatic steps to secure the release of their nationals. It also urged international organizations and human rights bodies to intervene immediately.
The case has drawn wider attention to detention practices under Israeli custody, especially as thousands of Palestinians remain held without charge. Rights groups have long documented reports of abuse, including torture and denial of due process.
