️ An Israeli court has extended the detention of two activists from a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza, according to an Israeli rights group representing them.

️ The Ashkelon Magistrates' Court on Tuesday granted the state's request to extend the detention of Saif Abu Keshek from Spain and Brazilian Thiago Avila until May 10, Miriam Azem, international advocacy coordinator at Adalah, confirmed to Al Jazeera.

️ The pair were among dozens of activists who set sail for Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off Greece on April 30. Organizers say that of 180 activists, most were taken to Crete, while Abu Keshek and Avila were brought to Israel for questioning and remain in detention.

️ Adalah called the court's decision "judicial validation of the state's lawlessness" and said it would appeal. The extension was based on "secret evidence" that the activists and their lawyers were not permitted to review.

️ The rights group noted that the court granted the full six-day extension without any limitations on interrogation. No charges have been filed, but the men face accusations including affiliation with a "terrorist organization and contact with foreign agents."

️ Adalah lawyers Hadeel Abu Salih and Lubna Tuma argued the allegations are "baseless" and lack legal grounds, emphasizing that Israeli law does not apply as the activists were abducted over 1,000 kilometers from Gaza and are not Israeli citizens.

️ The organization also reported that the activists are held in "total isolation, subjected to 24/7 high-intensity lighting and kept blindfolded during movements." They have been on a hunger strike since April 30, consuming only water.

️ Flotilla organizers demanded the activists' release, urging international action. They alleged the activists were "illegally kidnapped in international waters, subjected to beatings and torture in Greek waters, and forcefully brought against their will to occupied Palestine."

Source: www.aljazeera.com