Geneva: The UN Human Rights Office on Wednesday called on Israel to "immediately and unconditionally release" two members of the Global Sumud humanitarian aid flotilla who were detained at sea and are being held in Israel "without charge."

According to Anadolu Agency, the UN spokesperson, Thameen Al-Kheetan, emphasized that Israel must release Global Sumud Flotilla members Saif Abukeshek and Thiago de Avila, who were detained in international waters and brought to Israel where they continue to be held without charge. Al-Kheetan stated, "It is not a crime to show solidarity and attempt to bring humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population in Gaza, who are in dire need of it."

Al-Kheetan also highlighted the need for an investigation into allegations of "severe mistreatment" involving the two detainees and called for those responsible to be held accountable. "Disturbing accounts of severe mistreatment of Abukeshek and de Avila must be investigated, and those responsible must be brought to justice," he said.

Furthermore, Al-Kheetan urged an end to Israel's use of "arbitrary detention" and broadly defined terrorism legislation, noting that these practices are inconsistent with international human rights law. He also called for Israel to lift its blockade on Gaza and allow humanitarian assistance into the enclave "in sufficient amounts."

The Global Sumud Flotilla's Spring 2026 mission, aimed at breaking Israel's blockade on the Gaza Strip and delivering humanitarian aid, was intercepted by Israeli forces on April 29 off the coast of Crete. Israeli forces intervened in international waters, detaining 177 activists and reportedly subjecting them to ill-treatment.

Reports indicated that Avila and Abu Keshek, who were not released and were forcibly taken to Israel, faced severe physical abuse and death threats during interrogation. The ongoing blockade on Gaza, imposed by Israel since 2007, has left the territory's 2.4 million people on the verge of starvation.

In October 2023, the Israeli army launched a two-year offensive on Gaza, resulting in over 72,000 deaths, more than 172,000 injuries, and widespread destruction across the besieged territory.