The Spain’s Foreign Minister demanded this Thursday the immediate release of the Spanish citizen captured in international waters by the Israeli navy.

Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, appeared before an extraordinary plenary session of Congress on May 7, to condemn the detention of Spanish activist Saif Abukeshek.

The Minister characterized the Israeli forces’ boarding of a civilian vessel in international waters, and the subsequent transfer of its crew to Israeli territory, as “inadmissible and unacceptable.”

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This firm declaration underscores Spanish commitment to upholding international law and protecting its citizens abroad, particularly when humanitarian missions are involved.

Saif Abukeshek, a member of the Global Sumud Flotilla, was intercepted a week prior, alongside Brazilian activist Thiago de Ávila, while transporting humanitarian aid towards the Gaza Strip.

Minister Albares emphatically stressed that this act constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, humanitarian law, and the most fundamental norms governing free maritime navigation. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the Spanish Government, which views it as a direct challenge to established legal frameworks that regulate conduct on the high seas. Such actions, according to Madrid, undermine efforts to deliver crucial assistance to populations in need, particularly in conflict zones.

Text reads: “We are drawing the political cartography of the world in which we will live. The Government of Spain is clear, we are with cooperation, with multilateralism, with dialogue and peace. These are the values that guide Spain’s humanist foreign policy.”

In response, the Government of Spain once again summoned Israeli chargé d’affaires in Madrid to convey a formal protest and demand the immediate release of the detained citizens. Albares further informed Congress that constant coordination is maintained with the Government of Brazil to exert joint diplomatic pressure. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that the detainees receive appropriate consular protection and are treated in accordance with international Human Rights standards.

The Israeli Prosecutor’s Office has accused the activists of alleged terrorism-related offenses and providing assistance to an enemy, charges that both the defense and legal organizations categorically reject.

According to the detainees’ lawyers, both individuals have reportedly suffered physical and psychological violence during their stay at the Ashkelon Magistrates’ Court, where their arrest was extended. These allegations of mistreatment further complicate the diplomatic dispute, adding another layer of concern for the Spanish and Brazilian Governments, who are demanding transparent and fair legal proceedings for their citizens.

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During the parliamentary session, Minister Albares also expressed his deep concern over the escalating regional conflict and the attacks against countries like Jordan within the broader context of the Iran-Israel conflict. He reiterated Spain’s demand for absolute respect for Human Rights and took the opportunity to call for the release of Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Narges Mohammadi, citing her critical health condition.

The debate in Congress was marked by criticism from the opposition, which accused the Executive of partisan use of Spanish foreign policy. While the Popular Party questioned the Government’s lack of diligence in other cases involving Spanish citizens detained abroad, Albares staunchly defended the Government’s actions. He asserted that Madrid’s response was a coherent defense of international legality and a principled stand against actions that undermine established global norms.

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