Spain has called for the immediate release of activist Saif Abukeshek, a dual Spanish and Swedish citizen of Palestinian origin, who was detained by Israel after an aid flotilla bound for Gaza was intercepted in international waters. Brazil's Thiago Ávila was also detained, while other activists were taken to Crete by Greek authorities. Spain's foreign minister described the detention as illegal and said he had raised the matter with his Israeli counterpart.

A legal advocacy group based in Israel said it visited the two men at a detention facility in Ashkelon and reported that they had begun a hunger strike. The group alleged that the activists were subjected to isolation, prolonged blindfolding and physical abuse, calling the treatment a serious violation of international law. Israel's foreign ministry said the men were being questioned over possible links to a Palestinian armed group and had received consular visits.

The incident has further strained relations between Spain and Israel, which have been tense since Spain recognized Palestinian statehood in 2024. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pledging to protect Spanish citizens and uphold international law while demanding Abukeshek's release.