Two Scots detained by Israeli forces after Gaza flotilla intercepted

Two Scots have been detained after a flotilla seeking to challenge the blockade of Gaza was intercepted.

Dozens of vessels forming the Global Sumud Flotilla departed from the port of Marmaris, Turkey, last week in what organisers described as the final leg of its journey to Gaza’s shores.

Some 41 boats were intercepted on Monday, with another ten continuing to sail before a second interception, according to the online tracker.

Two men from Scotland are among those detained.

In a video shared on social media, Hughie Stirling says that he was on board the Ajjur (Blue Toys) vessel, which was stopped before reaching Gaza.

MSP Maree Todd said that she is “deeply concerned” for the Ullapool resident and his fellow crewmates.

She said: “As soon as I became aware of the situation, I wrote urgently to the Scottish Government requesting that Mr Stirling’s details be shared with colleagues at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and called for close coordination with UK counterparts to help secure the safe release of Mr Stirling and the other crew members.”

Dr Antonis Vradis, who works at St Andrew’s University, was on board the Qannir (La Cirena) vessel when it was captured.

The vessel Dr Antonis Vradis was on board Global Sumud Flotilla

The Scottish Universities Jewish Staff Network said it was “deeply concerned for the safety and well-being” of Dr Vradis.

“Israeli actions – both against the people of Gaza and those (like Antonis) with the courage to put themselves at risk through their humanitarian support for Gazans – are a violation of the beliefs and values we hold dear,” a statement from the group said.

A University spokesperson added: “Antonis made us aware of his plans to take leave to join the flotilla, and also told us that there was a significant risk that he and others would be detained by Israel.

“We are naturally concerned for his wellbeing, and are in touch with our MP, Wendy Chamberlain, to help us establish his exact whereabouts and advocate for his safe and speedy return to St Andrews.”

A video of those detained has been posted on X by Israel’s minister of National Security Ben-Gvir.

In the footage, one detainee is pushed to the ground, and many are placed into stress positions.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has described the footage as violating “most basic standards of respect and dignity in the way people should be treated.”

The MP added: “We are in touch with the families of a number of British nationals involved to provide them with consular support.

“We have demanded an explanation from the Israeli authorities and made clear their obligations to protect the rights of our citizens and all those involved.”

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the treatment of the activists does not match the country’s “values or norms”.

He wrote: “Israel has every right to prevent provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters from entering our territorial waters and reaching Gaza.

“However, the way that Minister Ben Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel’s values and norms. I have instructed the relevant authorities to deport the provocateurs as soon as possible.”