The governments of Spain and Brazil have condemned what they described as the abduction of two of their citizens in international waters by Government of Israel, following the interception of vessels linked to the Global Sumud Flotilla.
In a joint statement, Spain and Brazil said their citizens were aboard vessels of the Sumud flotilla when they were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, and were not released either at the time the vessels were seized or after passengers and crew were later disembarked on the island of Crete.
Spain and Brazil termed Israeli action “flagrantly illegal,” saying it constituted a violation of international law and could be subject to proceedings before international courts, as well as potential offences under their national laws.
They demanded that Government of Israel immediately return their citizens with full guarantees of safety and grant immediate consular access to ensure their assistance and protection.
A day earlier, the Global Sumud Flotilla said two of its participants — Saif Abukeshek of Spain and Thiago Ávila of Brazil — were reportedly abducted by Israeli forces during a raid in international waters and transported to Israel, where their whereabouts remain unknown.