Four Scots — Jim Hickey, Margaret Pancetta, Yvonne Ridley, and Sid Khan — are among around 443 activists detained by Israeli forces after their flotilla carrying aid to Gaza was intercepted.
The flotilla, called the Global Sumud Flotilla, included about 40 boats with food and medical supplies. Israel claims the boats were entering a combat zone and violating a naval blockade, but the activists say the interception was illegal.
Scottish MSPs raised the issue in Parliament, urging the UK government to act. First Minister John Swinney confirmed he is in contact with UK authorities regarding the detainees’ wellbeing.
Solidarity protests broke out in Edinburgh and Glasgow on Thursday night. Videos pre-recorded by the four Scots were released on social media after their detention.
Israel stated the detainees are safe and will be deported. The UK Foreign Office expressed concern and said it expects Israel to handle the situation according to international law.