Scots on intercepted Gaza aid flotilla detained in Israel
8 hours ago Share Save Megan Bonar BBC Scotland Share Save
Instagram Margaret Pancetta, Sid Khan and Yvonne Ridley were on boats sailing as part of the flotilla
Four Scots are among hundreds of activists detained by Israeli forces after the interception of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza. Jim Hickey, Margaret Pancetta, Yvonne Ridley and Sid Khan were named by MSPs in the Scottish parliament. First Minister John Swinney said he would remain in "close contact" with the UK government over their wellbeing. About 40 boats were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) carrying food and medical supplies. Israel's Foreign Ministry said those involved would be deported.
It is estimated that 443 people were detained by Israeli forces. Solidarity protests were held in Edinburgh and Glasgow on Thursday evening. Hundreds of demonstrators filled Edinburgh Waverley railway station, breaking through a cordon before marching onto Princes Street. Footage on social media showed protestors waving Palestinian flags at Glasgow Central station and holding a sit-down protest on Buchanan Street.
Stop the War Scotland A sit-down protest in Glasgow city centre
Stop the War Scotland Protesters march into Edinburgh Waverley station
Social media videos, which were to be published in the event of their interception, have been posted for each of the four Scots involved. Mr Hickey from Glasgow was onboard the vessel Suelle, Mr Khan the Adara, while Ms Ridley and Ms Pancetta were on the Omar Al Mokhtar. At First Minister's Questions at Holyrood, Scottish Green co-leader Ross Greer and Scottish Labour MSP Pauline McNeill urged Swinney to demand their release. West Scotland MSP Greer said one of his constituents was among the four who had been "kidnapped by the Israeli military". He told MSPs: "Dozens of ships and hundreds of ordinary people doing what the world's governments have refused to do, trying to break Israel's siege of Gaza and deliver life-saving food and medical supplies to starving Palestinians."
Watch: Moment Israeli navy intercepts activist boats carrying aid to Gaza
Glasgow MSP McNeill praised the bravery of those onboard. She said: "There is a great deal of courage in the 500 people who took part in this flotilla. "Their aim apart from the aid, was to show the people in Gaza that the world has not forgotten them." Swinney said he has already approached the UK Government over the incident. He said: "They have informed us they have lobbied the Israeli government to respect law and to protect everyone on board's safety. "We will keep in close contact with the UK Government regarding the wellbeing of those on the flotilla."
Reuters About 40 boats were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying food and supplies
[SRC] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg670em4j3o
