THE Scottish Government has called on Israel to allow the safe passage of the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza.
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said the flotilla "must be allowed" to deliver aid, adding the Scottish Government expects UK ministers to take steps to ensure the safety of British citizens onboard.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is the largest humanitarian mission of its kind, with more than 500 activists from 44 different countries sailing to Gaza in an attempt to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid.
There are 13 UK nationals taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla, four of whom are from Scotland.
Scottish activists taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla:
- Jim Hickey, 52, removals driver (Seulle)
- Sid Khan, 48, Scots Asians for Independence vice chair (Adara)
- Margaret Pancetta, 70, veteran pro-Palestine activist (Omar Al Mokhtar)
- Dr Yvonne Ridley, 67, journalist and founding Alba member (Omar Al Mokhtar)
The flotilla is expected to reach Gaza within days, but has faced increasing threats of attack and interception from Israel.
Activists have warned of an "imminent threat" of attack within the next 48 hours, as the flotilla approaches the "interception zone" where previous missions were halted by Israel.
Yet while other governments have spoken in support of the flotilla, and several have sent navy ships to offer support to their own citizens taking part, the UK Government has remained silent.
The Scottish Government has now called on the UK Government to intervene.
It comes after the four Scottish activists called on MPs to "do their jobs" and protect the UK citizens onboard the flotilla.
External Affairs Secretary Robertson told The National: “The Global Sumud Flotilla must be allowed to deliver its aid. The Israeli government must act within international law and ensure that it does nothing to compromise the safety of those on board. We would expect the UK Government to make representations to ensure the safety of UK citizens.”
He added: “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 First Minister has been clear that he shares the concerns of other countries and international leaders that a genocide is to be unfolding in Gaza. The Israeli government must commit to end the killing and comply with its international obligations on the investigation of genocide and war crimes.”
The UK Government has been contacted for comment.
