Sumud Flotilla Detainees Allege Torture in Israeli Custody; Court Extends Detention to May 5

The two remaining Sumud Flotilla detainees — Saif Abu Keshek (PSE/SPA citizen, journalist) and Brazilian climate activist Thiago Ávila — appeared in an Ashkelon court Sun May 3, alleging "severe physical abuse amounting to torture" by Israeli authorities. Per their attorneys: dragged face-down across pavement, beaten unconscious, denied medical care, refused food/water for 36 hours triggering hunger-strike protocol. Israel's court extended their detention by 48 hours (to Tue May 5) for further interrogation; no formal charges filed. Israel's foreign ministry maintains Abu Keshek is "suspected of affiliation with a terrorist organization" and Ávila of "illegal activity"; both deny. Spain's PM repeated the "act of piracy" framing; UN Human Rights Council issued formal demand for release. Mayor Mamdani has not made a follow-up public statement since his May 1 "brazen violation" condemnation — but Mon May 4 his communications director confirmed the city has been in "continuous contact" with State Department and Brazilian consular partners. The torture allegations escalate the controversy and tighten the political pressure on Mamdani's Israel posture as the buffer-zone-override debate enters its final 22 days.

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