THE Scottish Government has written to the Foreign Office to ask for an "urgent" update on the Scots imprisoned by Israel.
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said he was "deeply concerned for the safety and integrity" of those who took part in the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Nearly 500 activists, including four from Scotland, were attempting to sail to Gaza to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid when Israel intercepted the convoy overnight on Wednesday.
Israeli forces detained the activists and took them to Ashdod port in Israel, where they were then transferred to the notorious Ketziot prison.
At the time of writing, one one Scot – Margaret Pancetta – has been deported. Concerns have been raised around the wellbeing of the three other Scots who remain imprisoned – Jim Hickey, Sid Khan and Yvonne Ridley.
It is understood lawyers and consul officials have been denied access to many of the participants, while activists have also reported "aggressive" treatment and a lack of access to basic necessities such as food and water.
At least two of the Scots are believed to be on hunger strike.
Scottish Government External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson has now written to UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper calling for an "urgent update" on their condition.
Robertson said: “I am deeply concerned for the safety and integrity of the Sumud Flotilla and its participants and today I have written to the Foreign Secretary asking for an urgent update in particular for the residents of Scotland who are still being detained, including Saddaqat Khan, Yvonne Ridley, and James Hickey.”
He added: “Scottish Government officials have contacted the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), who informed us that they have lobbied the Israeli authorities to make clear that they expected the situation to be resolved safely, in line with international law, and with due respect for the rights of all those on board.”
Robertson previously called on Israel to allow the safe passage of the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza.
He also said he expected UK ministers to take steps to ensure the safety of British citizens onboard.
On Monday, Israel announced it had deported a further 171 activists to Greece and Slovenia.
It is not clear whether any Scottish activists are among them.
A FCDO spokesperson said: “We are supporting a number of British nationals who have been detained in Israel and are in touch with the local authorities.”
