‘We are coming’: Aid activists plan to reach Gaza by Friday
A spokesperson on board the Conscience vessel has promised it will continue its course towards Gaza in an effort to break Israel’s blockade and reach the besieged Palestinian enclave by Friday.
“We are out here not only on the Conscience but also with eight other vessels from the Thousand Madleens organizations. We are just another wave of civilian vessels going to challenge Israel’s illegal blockade, siege and genocide on the Palestinian people,” Huwaida Arraf told reporters.
The Conscience is specifically dedicated to healthcare and media workers under fire in Gaza, she said.
“We have dozens of each on this boat. These two professions are targeted in Gaza,” Arraf said, adding that they’re “being killed, are being tortured” and “their families are being targeted”.
“And we are sailing here to say to the world that this must end. The world must rise up and ensure that it ends by sanctioning Israel.”
Arraf also addressed the people of Gaza: “You are not alone. We are coming. We are trying to reach you.”
Scotland’s first minister calls for release of detained flotilla activists
John Swinney, the Scottish first minister, says he’s “very concerned” about the wellbeing of the four Scots detained by Israel last week while trying to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and has called for their “immediate return”.
The detainees have been named by Scottish lawmakers as Jim Hickey, Margaret Pacetta, Yvonne Ridley and Sid Khan.
Speaking to Bauer Media, Swinney said: “I’m very concerned about the wellbeing of the individuals who are part of the flotilla that are now being held in Israel.”
The Scottish government is pressing the UK government to intervene as London continues to engage with Israeli officials over the detentions, he said.
