UN urges Israel to release Gaza activists

The United Nations has called on Israel to immediately and unconditionally release two activists detained from a Gaza-bound flotilla, raising fresh concerns over human rights and humanitarian access to the region.

The appeal was made on Wednesday by Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, who said the individuals were intercepted in international waters before being transferred to Israel.

According to him, the activists, Saif Abukeshek and Thiago de Avila, are currently being held without charge, a situation the UN described as unacceptable under international human rights standards.

Al-Kheetan emphasised that attempting to deliver humanitarian aid or showing solidarity with civilians in Gaza should not be treated as a criminal act, especially given the worsening humanitarian conditions in the territory.

“It is not a crime to show solidarity and attempt to bring humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population in Gaza, who are in dire need of it,” he said.

Beyond the detention itself, the UN also expressed concern over what it described as “disturbing accounts” of severe mistreatment of the detainees while in custody. The organisation called for an independent investigation into the allegations and urged that any individuals found responsible be held accountable.

The UN further criticised Israel’s use of what it termed arbitrary detention practices and broadly defined terrorism laws, arguing that such measures are inconsistent with international legal standards and risk undermining fundamental rights.

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In addition to demanding the release of the activists, the global body called on Israel to lift its blockade on Gaza and allow the entry of sufficient humanitarian assistance into the territory, where millions of residents continue to face shortages of essential supplies.

The latest development adds to growing international scrutiny over Israel’s handling of Gaza-related activities and the broader humanitarian situation in the region, with rights groups and global organisations increasingly calling for stronger protections for civilians and aid workers.

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