Spain Rebukes Israel Over Gaza Flotilla Detentions
Madrid – Spain on Thursday summoned Israel’s top envoy in Madrid to protest the continued detention of a Spanish activist intercepted aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, deepening diplomatic tensions between the two countries over Israel’s conduct in the war in Gaza.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said the Israeli charge d’affaires was called in to receive Madrid’s protest over what he described as the “unacceptable and intolerable” extension of the detention of Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish citizen of Palestinian origin detained after Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near Greece last week.
An Israeli court has extended the detention of Abu Keshek and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila until Sunday, despite calls from international rights groups and foreign governments for their release. Israeli authorities have not filed formal charges against either activist.
The flotilla was the second maritime initiative in the past year aimed at challenging Israel’s blockade on Gaza, where shortages of food, medicine, water and fuel have intensified during the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Israeli forces intercepted the vessel and deported several activists to Europe while detaining Abu Keshek and Avila. Rights organizations have alleged the detainees were subjected to abuse while in custody, accusations Israeli authorities have denied.
The latest dispute underscores the widening rupture in relations between Spain and Israel since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has repeatedly criticized Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and previously described it as a “genocide,” a characterization Israel strongly rejects.
Diplomatic ties deteriorated further after Spain formally recognized a Palestinian state in 2024, prompting Israel to recall its ambassador from Madrid. Spain later dismissed its own ambassador to Tel Aviv in March.
The diplomatic clash coincided with Madrid’s decision to honor Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, with the Order of Civil Merit.
Sanchez’s office said Albanese was recognized for her work documenting alleged violations of international law in Gaza. Albanese has repeatedly accused Israel of committing genocide during the conflict, allegations Israel denies, accusing critics of antisemitism.
The United States has imposed sanctions on Albanese, accusing her of “biased and malicious” criticism of both Washington and Israel. Spain has urged the European Commission to prevent the U.S. sanctions from being enforced within the European Union.
France and Germany have also criticized Albanese and called for her resignation over remarks referring to a “common enemy of humanity,” although Albanese has denied that the statement was directed at Israel.
