AN Asda petrol station in the Highlands shut down in protest over the abduction of activists onboard the Global Sumud Flotilla.
A sign was posted on the door of the Broadford petrol station, located on the Isle of Skye, on Thursday announcing the closure.
It read: “Closed in solidarity with the people of Palestine and those of the Global Sumud Flotilla who were abducted attempting to break an illegal siege on Gaza.”
An image of the sign was shared on a community Facebook page, sparking a mixed response.
One commenter wrote: “Fair enough to protest but this is affecting people who have to travel far and now stuck without fuel.”
Another added: “The only thing that is relevant to this page is that there is no fuel currently available in Broadford. Can someone post when it is reopened.”
Others praised the move as “historic”, with another writing: “An idiot for protesting a genocide? I think not.
“A small inconvenience to raise awareness for the plight of the Palestinian people at the hands of a genocidal colonial occupying power. The man’s a hero.”
Asda bosses said they were aware of the “unofficial” closure, with a spokesperson saying: “We’re aware that our Isle of Skye store is currently closed. We are working to re-open the store as soon as possible and would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused in the meantime.”
The move comes after Israeli military forces intercepted the flotilla – a fleet of more than 40 ships containing around 500 individuals sailing to Gaza to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid – late on Wednesday night.
Four Scottish activists, Jim Hickey, Sid Khan, Margaret Pancetta and Dr Yvonne Ridley, have now been detained by Israel.
An Edinburgh University student, Mina Moreno, was also aboard one of the vessels carrying legal observers but has since been reported as safe.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said the UK Government was “very concerned” by the situation and urged the Israeli authorities to resolve the situation in line with international law.
