THE remaining Scottish activists who took part in the Global Sumud Flotilla have all been released by Israel.
The National understands Yvonne Ridley, Sid Khan and Jim Hickey are currently in Jordan, where 131 activists were deported on Tuesday morning.
They had been imprisoned in the notorious Ketziot jail after Israel intercepted the flotilla overnight on Wednesday, which was attempting to deliver much-needed aid to Gaza.
It comes after Margaret Pacetta, a 71-year-old grandmother and veteran pro-Palestine activist from Glasgow, arrived in Glasgow on Monday after being deported over the weekend.
Pacetta described the "horrific" experience she had in prison, including a lack of access to food, violent treatment from Israeli officials, and overcrowded and cramped conditions.
Ridley, 67, is originally from the north east of England but is based in Scotland and is a founding member of the Alba Party.
Officials previously described her treatment in prison as "aggressive" and "intimidating", leading to concerns for her welfare, although a statement from her family confirmed on Monday evening that Ridley was "safe and accounted for".
Khan, 47, is based in Glasgow and is vice chair of the SNP-affiliated Scots Asians for Independence.
The National understands Khan went on hunger strike, with fellow detained activists reporting he was instrumental in keeping the group "calm and collected" during a medical emergency.
Meanwhile, Hickey, 52, is a removals driver from Glasgow. His condition in prison was described as "okay" by another activist, but information on his wellbeing has been minimal due to Israel limiting access to lawyers and consul officials.
The Scottish Greens welcomed the news of the activists' release but stressed the "appalling" treatment they experienced.
Patrick Harvie, the party's external affairs spokesperson, said it "underlines the total contempt that the Israeli government has for human rights".
Harvie told The National: “If they have treated European campaigners and aid workers this way then the treatment of Palestinians without a voice will be even worse.
“The people on the flotilla were trying to do what governments have failed to do, and that is to get lifesaving aid to people who need it and to show solidarity with the people of Palestine."
Harvie added: "The fact that Downing Street chose to look away while UK citizens were kidnapped on the seas shows a total lack of any care or regard for their wellbeing.
“It should not need flotillas to bring aid to Gaza, but the international community has allowed a brutal blockade and the collective punishment of a people. After two years of war and suffering it is more vital than ever that we secure a lasting ceasefire.”
This is an emerging story. We will bring you more news when we have it.
