Brazil and Spain condemn the kidnapping of their citizens by Israel

The governments of Brazil and Spain published, this Friday (1st), a joint note in which they condemn “in the strongest terms” the “kidnapping” of two citizens of their countries in international waters by the government of Israel.

They were on the Sumud Global Flotilla, which transported humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population of the Gaza Strip. The vessels were attacked by Israeli forces off the coast of Greece.

At the time, around 175 activists from 20 countries were detained. Information shows that 173 landed on the Greek island of Crete.

Read more: Israel intercepts aid flotilla for Gaza in international waters

Before being released, the foreign ministers of Brazil and 11 other nations (Turkey, Bangladesh, Colombia, Jordan, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Pakistan, South Africa and Spain) published a joint note condemning Israeli aggression. The text highlights that the attacks on vessels and the illegal detention of humanitarian activists in international waters constitute “flagrant violations of international law and international humanitarian law”.

Despite the release of most of the activists, two remained ‘kidnapped’, according to the Brazilian and Spanish foreign offices, which did not indicate the names of the citizens.

However, the humanitarian initiative disclosed that they were Brazilian Thiago Ávila and Saif Abu, a Spaniard of Palestinian origin. According to members of the Flotilla, the two are being accused by Israel of ‘illegal activities and terrorism’ due to the group’s history of activity.

“This blatantly illegal action by the Israeli authorities, outside their jurisdiction, is an affront to International Law, actionable in international courts, and constitutes a crime in our respective jurisdictions.

The governments of Brazil and Spain demand from the government of Israel the immediate return of their citizens, with full security guarantees, and that immediate consular access be facilitated for their assistance and protection”, say the countries in a note.

Ávila is a member of the Flotilla organization and was arrested in a similar manner by Israel last year. In March, he was with the Our America Flotilla, which disembarked in Cuba, with supplies for the Caribbean country.