21 Spanish Activists Detained in Israel Set to Return Home Amid Ongoing Tensions
Twenty-one Spanish activists detained in Israel after the Gaza flotilla incident are set to return home Sunday, amid ongoing concerns over their treatment and the status of remaining detainees.
- • 21 of 49 Spanish detainees to return to Spain Sunday after three days in Israeli custody.
- • Notable detainees include former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau and ERC councilor Jordi Coronas.
- • Spanish government monitors detainees' conditions and coordinates repatriation efforts.
- • Israeli officials deny mistreatment allegations; some detainees on hunger strike in protest.
Key details
Spain's Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, confirmed that 21 of the 49 Spanish activists detained by Israel following the Global Sumud Flotilla incident will be released and return to Spain on Sunday evening. The detainees, who have spent three days in Israeli custody, include notable figures such as the former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau and ERC councilor Jordi Coronas, with the flight from Tel Aviv expected to land at Madrid-Barajas Airport between 8 and 9 PM, according to Albares and lawyer Jaume Asens.
Although Albares expressed cautious optimism about their release, he emphasized the need for Israel to respect the detainees' rights and physical integrity. These 21 individuals reportedly signed documents acknowledging illegal entry into Israel; however, Albares stressed that regardless of this, their human rights must be fully protected. Activists have reported mistreatment and inadequate medical care during detention, with three detainees—including a Podemos representative—currently on hunger strike, refusing deportation as a form of protest.
The Spanish consulate in Tel Aviv is actively monitoring their wellbeing and ensuring access to food, water, and medical treatment. The government has also expressed readiness to assist the repatriation of other Spanish nationals detained in Israel.
In contrast, Israeli officials, including Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have defended their treatment of detainees, labeling some as supporters of terrorism and denying allegations of abuse made by activists such as Greta Thunberg. The Federation of Associations of Journalists in Spain condemned the detention of over 20 journalists involved in the flotilla, highlighting concerns over press freedom and human rights. Meanwhile, 26 Italian activists previously detained were already released and returned to Italy.
Albares also called for an immediate end to military operations in Gaza and advocated for a viable Palestinian state, underscoring Spain's ongoing commitment to peace and human rights in the region. The remaining 28 Spanish detainees have not yet been released, and their situation remains uncertain as negotiations continue.