Greens call on First Minister John Swinney to demand release of four Scots on board Gaza-bound flotilla

The Scottish Government must demand the release of the four Scots who were on board a Gaza-bound flotilla detained by Israeli forces, Ross Greer has said.

The Scottish Greens co-leader raised the issue at FMQs, saying the people onboard those vessels had been “kidnapped” and calling for further action to end Israel’s aggression in Gaza.

First Minister John Swinney confirmed his government was in contact with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office about the safety of those on board the ships.

 He added the Israeli government was being lobbied to “respect the law”.

 The flotilla, made up of around 40 boats, was aiming to take aid to Gaza.

The boats have been intercepted by Israel, about 70 nautical miles from their destination. Israel's Foreign Ministry said the flotilla has been “safely stopped”.

Around 500 people from around the world, including a number of Brits, are thought to be abroad. The four Scots are Sid Khan, Yvonne Ridley, Jim Hickey and Margaret Pancetta.

In the chamber, Greer said: “Four Scots, including my constituent Sid Khan, were kidnapped by the Israeli military last night… They were part of the Global Sumud flotilla – dozens of ships and hundreds of ordinary people doing what the world’s governments have refused to: trying to break Israel’s siege of Gaza and deliver life-saving food and medical supplies to starving Palestinians.

“Their boats have been attacked by drones and chemicals dropped on them, and last night they were attacked by the Israel navy. Not one boat made it to Gaza.

“Will the first minster demand the release of the four kidnapped Scots [and] will he contact the prime minister and urge him to intervene?”

Labour MSP Pauline McNeill also raised the issue, saying she was “hopeful” of the safe return of those on board.

She also said Israel had “no right” to intervene, particularly following the UK’s formal recognition of the state of Palestine last month.

The first minister agree with McNeill and welcomed the commitment of the UK Government in ensuring the safe return of those citizens on board.

“We will do all we can to work with the UK Government to ensure their safety,” he added.