Scots on intercepted Gaza aid flotilla detained in Israel

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.

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.”

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.”

The first boats were stopped on Wednesday about 70 nautical miles off the Gaza coast in international waters and others closer.

Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg was among those detained

Israel has been policing this area but does not have jurisdiction there.

Israel said its navy told the boats to change course as they were “approaching an active combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade”, while the GSF described the interceptions as “illegal”.

A UK Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are very concerned about the situation with the Sumud flotilla, we are in touch with the families of a number of British nationals involved.

“We have been in contact with the Israeli authorities to make clear that we expect the situation to be resolved safely, in line with international law and with due respect for the rights of all those on board.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said those involved were being transferred to an Israeli port to be deported and all were “safe and in good health”.