THE Scottish Government has called for Israel to immediately release the 12 crew members who were detained on the Madleen aid ship on its way to Gaza.
The Madleen was boarded and seized by Israeli forces in international waters early on Monday morning, after crews sounded an alarm after seeing multiple vessels approach and reporting drones spraying a white "irritant" substance on board.
The boat arrived in Ashdod port in Israel late on Monday evening, with Israel's foreign ministry attempting to depict the mission as a publicity stunt, branding the Madleen a "celebrity yacht".
On Tuesday, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) – the humanitarian organisation behind the Madleen – reiterated that four of the 12 activists have been deported, while eight remain in Israeli detention.
The crew members were all asked to sign documents consenting to deportation, which the coalition said was under the guise that they had entered Israel illegally.
One of those still in detention is Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian Member of the European Parliament.
Following the abduction and deportation, fresh calls were made for both Westminster and Holyrood to push Israel to lift the aid blockade.
Gerry Coutts of Scotland for Palestine said: “The aid boat was seized by Israel while it sailed in international waters under the British flag and its unarmed crew have been detained. Yet, we have heard no condemnation of this from our governments in the UK.
“The abduction of the crew, the seizing of the boat, the occupation of Palestine, the mass starvation of a people and the siege and blockade are all illegal - and happening in plain sight.
“Both our governments have a legal and moral duty to push their ally, Israel, to allow in life-saving aid to starving Palestinians. They must also push for an end to the cruel siege and naval blockade and more recently a complete blockade imposed on Palestinians.”
In response, External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson has said: “The Scottish Government calls for the immediate release of the activists held from the Madleen.
"Israel must ensure their safety and act within international law. We have repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to those who urgently need it.”
The UK Government pointed to a statement by Prime Minister Keir Starmer's official spokesperson: "We have made clear our position in relation to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The PM has called it appalling and intolerable.
"We have made it very clear we must get more aid into Gaza."
