AFP, Geneva

The UN yesterday called on Israel to immediately release two activists taken from a Gaza-bound flotilla, and demanded an investigation into “disturbing accounts” that they had been severely mistreated.

Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian Thiago Avila, who are held in a prison in Ashkelon, were among dozens of activists on a Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off the coast of Greece last Thursday.

“Israel must immediately and unconditionally release Global Sumud Flotilla members, who were detained in international waters and brought to Israel where they continue to be held without charge,” UN rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan said.

“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 insisted.