Scottish volunteers are among the groups from 44 countries looking to break Israel’s blockade

A Scottish campaign group is calling for the rights of Scots onboard a humanitarian aid mission to Gaza to be protected. 

Scottish nationals are currently part of the Global Sumud Flotilla – the largest civilian mission of its kind, with dozens of boats from more than 44 countries hoping to break Israel's blockade on Gaza and deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to the enclave.

Boats which are part of the mission have already been attacked, including a British-flagged vessel sustaining fire damage while activists were on board. 

Scotland for Palestine, a pro Palestine campaign group, have now written to First Minister John Swinney calling for help to protect Scottish nationals on the aid flotilla. 

This comes following a similar call from Italy yesterday with regards to Italian nationals who are also part of the aid mission.

Writing to the Scottish Government, Scotland for Palestine said: “Yesterday, Italy warned Israel to respect the rights of its citizens involved in a humanitarian aid mission attempting to deliver life-saving aid to Gaza after a vessel was reportedly attacked by Israel.

“This is not the first time this has happened. In May 2010, Israel raided the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in international waters and killed nine humanitarian activists and wounded 30 more. Another person later died of their wounds. 

“Their crime? To deliver essential aid to Gaza by breaking Israel’s illegal and crippling aid block on the enclave since 2007.

“We are writing to ask that in line with Italy’s demand, will you also call on your ally, Israel, to respect the rights of Scottish nationals on board the aid flotilla alongside all those who are part of this humanitarian aid mission?

“We call on you to also demand that Israel allows these courageous activists to safely deliver aid to desperate Palestinians, undergoing a famine and genocide.

“Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine, its unlawful siege and aid block, and the genocide must end. The responsibility lies with you to ensure you use all the powers available to you to help end it.”