Israeli Court Upholds Detention of Two Flotilla Activists

An Israeli court in Beersheva rejected on Wednesday an appeal challenging the continued detention of two foreign activists seized from a Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters off the coast of Greece last Thursday.

Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national of Palestinian origin, and Brazilian Thiago Avila were among dozens of activists aboard the vessel, which had set sail from ports in France, Spain and Italy to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza. Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla, took the two men to Israel for questioning and transported the others to the Greek island of Crete, where they were released.

On Tuesday, another Israeli court extended the pair's detention until Sunday to allow further police interrogation. Their lawyers then appealed the decision at the Beersheva district court, arguing the initial seizure was unlawful as it occurred in international waters aboard an Italian-flagged ship. The court dismissed the appeal, upholding the extension.

The activists appeared in court on Wednesday with their feet shackled and in the midst of a hunger strike. Abu Keshek, who has also refused water, looked exhausted with his hands clasped in...