Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain
05/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/01/2026 11:56
Joint Statement by Spain and Brazil on Abduction in International Waters
PRESS STATEMENT 047
Joint Statement by Spain and Brazil on Abduction in International Waters
Today
The Governments of Spain and Brazil condemn in the strongest possible terms the abduction of two of their citizens in international waters by the Government of Israel.
Both were on board vessels of the Sumud flotilla, which were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, and were not released when the vessels were seized nor after the subsequent disembarkation of the passengers and crew on the island of Crete.
This flagrantly illegal action by the Israeli authorities outside their jurisdiction constitutes a violation of international law, which may be invoked before international courts, and may constitute a criminal offence under our respective national laws.
The Governments of Spain and Brazil demand that the Government of Israel immediately return their citizens with full guarantees of safety, and that immediate consular access be granted for their assistance and protection.
You can view the document here (Spanish only).
NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain published this content on May 01, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 01, 2026 at 17:56 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]