Spain summoned Israel’s top diplomatic representative in Madrid on Thursday to formally protest the extended detention of a Spanish activist involved in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, labeling the action “unacceptable and intolerable.” The move marks the latest diplomatic tension between the two countries amid heightened conflict and political disputes over the situation in the Gaza Strip.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares told parliament that an Israeli court has prolonged the detention of Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national of Palestinian descent, along with Brazilian activist Thiago Avila, until Sunday. Both were arrested after Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near Greece last week. The flotilla aimed to challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza, which has faced severe shortages of essential goods since the outbreak of the 2023 war between Israel and Hamas.

The activists were expelled to Europe except for Abu Keshek and Avila, who remain in custody. Rights organizations have criticized the detentions as unlawful and alleged that the men have been subjected to mistreatment while imprisoned. Israeli authorities have denied any abuse claims but have yet to file formal charges against the detainees.

Tensions between Spain and Israel have escalated notably since the conflict began in October 2023. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has condemned Israel’s military operations in Gaza, describing them as “genocide,” a statement that has further strained relations. Diplomatic ties deteriorated after Madrid recognized Palestinian statehood in 2024, prompting Israel to recall its ambassador. Spain responded by dismissing its chief envoy in Tel Aviv earlier this year.

On the same day Spain protested the detentions, Sánchez awarded the Order of Civil Merit to Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories. Albanese, an Italian national, has drawn both support and criticism for her outspoken reports documenting alleged violations of international law in Gaza. The award citation praised her for extensive work on these issues.

Albanese is also a focal point of international controversy. The United States recently imposed sanctions on her for what it described as “biased and malicious” criticism of both the US and Israel. Spain has called on the European Commission to block the enforcement of these sanctions within the European Union. Israel rejects Albanese’s accusations of genocide and has accused her and others of promoting antisemitism.

The unfolding diplomatic exchanges underscore a widening rift between Spain and Israel, rooted in sharply divergent perspectives on the Gaza conflict and its humanitarian consequences.