The Spanish activist Saif Abukeshek remains detained by Israel after the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian mission with humanitarian aid to Gaza that was boarded in international waters. The Spanish government demanded his immediate release this Tuesday after it was announced that he will remain arrested until at least May 10, and is maintaining diplomatic contacts with Israel and Greece while his family and various organizations call for an urgent response to guarantee his protection.
Who is Saif Abukeshek?
Abukeshek was born in the Askar refugee camp, in Nablus (West Bank), and holds Spanish and Swedish nationality. He has been living in Spain for approximately two decades, where he has developed his family and professional life, especially in Barcelona.
He is married and is the father of three children. In the professional sphere, he has worked in international cooperation and on projects related to human rights and social action.
Activist and Union Trajectory
His profile is linked to pro-Palestinian activism and international cooperation networks:
- Co-founder of the Global Movement to Gaza (Spain), promoter of the flotilla.
- Head of international relations at the Alternative Trade Union of Catalonia (IAC).
- Member of the Palestinian Community in Catalonia.
- Liaison with Palestinian trade union organizations and European solidarity networks.
His environment describes him as an activist focused on human, labor, and social rights, with special attention to the situation in Palestine.
Participation in the flotilla
It was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international civilian initiative aimed at bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
I was traveling on a logistical support ship, with coordination and observation functions, not on vessels with direct access to the destination area.
According to his entourage, he deliberately avoided approaching Israeli waters for security reasons.
Interception and detention
The flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces on the high seas during an operation in which several vessels were boarded.
Israel has linked him with the Hamas movement, an accusation that his circle flatly rejects, assuring that he has no relationship with armed organizations or political parties.
His family and colleagues defend that his activity is strictly civil and humanitarian.
Background
In 2025 he was arrested in Egypt during a previous humanitarian action towards Gaza, remaining several days in custody. His circle assures that he reported mistreatment during that detention. His wife has asked Spain and Sweden to act quickly to prevent his transfer to Israeli territory, where she fears his situation will worsen.
Organizations linked to the fleet have requested official information about its whereabouts and warn of its risky situation.