An Israeli court on Wednesday rejected an appeal seeking the release of two foreign activists detained after Israeli forces illegally intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters, prompting rights groups to denounce the ruling as unlawful.
Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national of Palestinian origin, and Brazilian Thiago Avila were among dozens of activists aboard a flotilla intercepted in international waters off the coast of Greece on Thursday.
The two were seized by Israeli forces and brought to Israel for questioning, while the others were taken to the Greek island of Crete and released.
On Tuesday, an Israeli court extended their detention until Sunday to allow police more time to interrogate them, according to their lawyers.
The lawyers then filed an appeal at the Beersheva district court against the detention, but it was rejected.
