This is today's instalment of the Real Scottish Politics Newsletter. You can subscribe for free HERE.
THERE are four Scottish citizens taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla, but you wouldn't be able to tell by looking at Scotland's newspapers or broadcasters.
We're currently witnessing a major global action. The Global Sumud Flotilla is the largest humanitarian mission of its kind, with the aim of delivering much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.
There are around 500 people taking part from 44 different countries, including the UK.
And four of the activists come from Scotland:
- 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)
Plus, there's also Mina Moreno, a student from the University of Edinburgh sailing on the Shireen vessel, which is carrying legal observers.
Things are really beginning to ramp up, with interception from Israel looking more likely by the minute.
Israel has vowed not to let the flotilla reach the shores of Gaza, repeatedly claiming the mission is directly linked with Hamas.
And yet, the media – with a few notable exceptions – has remained silent.
And on Tuesday, another Scot (George Galloway) appeared to have become involuntarily entangled in Israel's attempts to smear the flotilla even further.
Israel published claims it said prove the Global Sumud Flotilla is linked with Hamas, sharing two images with a red circle around a man claiming he is a Palestinian Hamas member.
But that so-called Palestinian Hamas member? Turned out to be Galloway, who is, as I'm sure you're aware, from Dundee.
Again – crickets in Scotland's media on this blatant falsehood.
All the silence does is allow Israel to continue with its smear campaign unchecked, in turn justifying its eventual interception and detention of the civilians on board – which, by the way, is illegal, given the flotilla is currently in international waters.
I've been reporting on the flotilla since it first set sail. I've interviewed all the Scots taking part, and I'm in regular contact with them to make sure we're able to report on any incidents or attacks as quickly and as accurately as possible.
It has been an incredible experience to get to know these activists, to feel as though I'm a small part of something that has the capacity to bring about real change.
So what is stopping others from doing the same?
What's more, there are two journalists from the UK on the Global Sumud Flotilla: Novara Media journalist Kieran Andrieu, and Middle East Eye journalist Mathilda Mallinson.
These two outlets have been phenomenal in their coverage, as you'd expect.
But in Scotland, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone reporting on the flotilla.
We'll soon find out what it will take for the rest of the media to catch up. Until then, those onboard the Global Sumud Flotilla are in danger – and they need the world to take notice.
