Global Sumud Flotilla: Four Scots and Greta Thunberg among those detained by Israel in Gaza aid flotilla
Israeli authorities have intercepted at least a dozen ships and are transferring passengers to Israel
Four Scots are reported to have been detained by Israel after authorities intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Dozens of ships were intercepted by Israeli authorities 70 nautical miles from the Gaza coast on Wednesday evening. Around 500 activists from 44 countries worldwide are on the flotilla attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
There are four Scots on board this flotilla, including Jim Hickey, Saddaqat Khan, Margaret Pancetta and Dr Yvonne Ridley, along with Edinburgh University student Mina Moreno.
It is understood both Mr Khan and Mr Hickey have been detained by Israel. Ms Pancetta and Dr Ridley’s status is unknown. Reports suggest the ship Ms Moreno is on has turned around and is now heading away from the flotilla.
First Minister John Swinney said the Scottish Government was in contact with the UK Foreign Office to ensure the Scots’ wellbeing.
Speaking at First Minister’s Questions on Thursday, Mr Swinney said: “I am aware of this incident and I have asked officials from the Scottish Government to speak to the Foreign Office. I am grateful for the information received from the Foreign Office. We are keeping in close contact regarding their wellbeing.”
Scottish Labour MSP Pauline McNeill said Israel was “in breach of international law” by intercepting the flotilla. She said the 500 members of the flotilla had shown “a great deal of courage by showing Palestinians that the world has not forgotten them”.
Activists have posted online to say Israel had used water cannons against some of the ships. Others said they had been abducted and taken to Israel against their will. Scottish Green co-leader Ross Greer described the activisits as being “kidnapped”.
Around 20 unidentified vessels were spotted approaching the flotilla around 6.20pm GMT on Wednesday in a move that has been branded an “act of terrorism”. The flotilla left the port of Barcelona a month ago and was aiming to reach Gaza with aid on Thursday.
An Israeli maritime blockade has been in place around Gaza for the past 18 years. Israeli authorities have now said no ship in the flotilla was able to breach this blockade and all aboard the ships are being brought back to land via Ashdod port where they will then be deported.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the flotilla was a provocation. The Israeli government accused some of the flotilla members of being linked to Hamas.
The Israeli authorities have also said the activists on board, which includes Greta Thunberg, are safe and are being transferred to Israel.
Posting on X, the foreign ministry said: “Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin. The passengers are safe and in good health.”
Several countries have condemned the move and branded it a breach of international law, including Spain, Turkey and Pakistan.
A flotilla spokesperson said: “Prior to illegally boarding the ships, it appears as though the Israeli naval vessels intentionally damaged ship communications, in an attempt to block distress signals and stop the livestream of their illegal boat boarding,
“In addition to the boats confirmed to be intercepted, livestream coverage and communication has been lost with multiple other boats. We are diligently working to account for all participants and crew. We will share updates as soon as we have confirmed information about the status of boats, detentions, injuries and potential casualties.”
They added: “This is an illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians in international waters. We call on governments, world leaders and international institutions to demand the safety and release of all on board and continue to monitor this situation closely.
“Despite interceptions of a few vessels, the Global Sumud Flotilla is 70 nautical miles away from the Gaza coastline and will continue undeterred.”
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