Scot detained by Israeli forces has not been in contact with family for four days

The family of a Scottish activist detained by Israeli forces say they are still anxiously waiting for news of his safety.

Four Scottish nationals were taken on Wednesday night after Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a fleet of 42 boats seeking to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and deliver a symbolic amount of aid to the famine-stricken territory.

Those detained between Wednesday and Friday were brought to Israel, where many remain in prison.

Isma Tahir Khan has not heard from her husband, Sid, in four days. He was taken alongside Scots Jim Hickey, Margaret Pacetta and Yvonne Ridley.

Isma was told by the Foreign Office on Sunday that Israel will not allow the British Consulate to see her husband to check on his welfare.

Speaking to STV News, she said: “Sid got involved in it because he couldn’t stand watching innocent women and children being starved.

Sid Khan was one of the volunteers aboard the flotilla. STV News

“He has been an activist for Palestine for over 20 years. He previously delivered aid to Gaza with the Scottish Government back in 2010.

“He feels that now has been the worst ethnic cleansing, and he wanted to go in person to deliver aid to starving babies. These ships that they have gone on, all they have is medicine, baby formula for starving kids, and food.

“I personally went along to Barcelona to help pack some of that, and it is a non-violent, humanitarian organisation with civilians. Sid is somebody who is so selfless and just can’t bear to see what’s going on.

“The last contact I had was Wednesday evening at 5.55pm. Moments before they were kidnapped by the Israeli army.

“I found out about 6pm. He said we have been intercepted and the Israeli army is coming on board, and don’t worry, I’ll be back home soon. There has been no word since.

“Nobody has reached out from the Foreign Office. I have been in contact with them. The first time I contacted them, I was dismissed.”

Scots detainee tells of ‘awful’ conditions

The Israeli foreign ministry has said it offered voluntary deportation to all of the activists, and those who remain in detention chose to stay there in order to go through a legal deportation process.

Margaret Pacetta was deported and arrived at Istanbul airport on Saturday, alongside 136 other activists. On her arrival, she described the prison as “awful”, adding that detainees were not given food or water.

The Global Sumud Flotilla said on Sunday evening that Yvonne Ridley had gone missing during the transfer to Istanbul.

A statement issued on social media said: “Scottish flotilla participant Yvonne Ridley is missing after being imprisoned by Israeli forces while on a humanitarian mission to Gaza.

“Yvonne Ridley had been held at Ketziot prison on hunger strike and denied her medication. She was due to be deported to Istanbul, but disappeared during the transfer. Her current whereabouts are unknown, and we are deeply concerned for her safety.”

Italian journalist tells of prisoner conditions

Italian journalist Saverio Tommasi, who also returned home on Saturday, said Israeli soldiers withheld medicines and treated prisoners “like monkeys”.

Israel’s foreign ministry said the claims of mistreatment were “brazen lies”.

Among those detained were Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela and several European legislators.

Mr Tommasi said Ms Thunberg was singled out by Israeli forces after being arrested.

“We also saw Greta Thunberg at the port, in that case with her arms tied and an Israeli flag next to her, just a mockery,” he said.

“Let’s say the mockery was part of the verbal and psychological violence they always carried out, in order to demean, ridicule and laugh in situations where there is nothing to laugh about.”

In a statement on social media, the ministry said all detainees’ legal rights had been “fully upheld”, adding that Ms Thunberg had not complained about the “ludicrous and baseless allegations – because they never occurred”.

Another Italian journalist, Lorenzo D’Agostino, said detainees were repeatedly woken during the two nights he spent behind bars.

They were also intimidated with dogs and by soldiers pointing the laser sights of their guns at prisoners “to scare us”, he said. He spoke after landing at Istanbul Airport, where 137 activists from 13 countries arrived from Israel on Saturday.

Mr D’Agostino added that his belongings and money had been “stolen by the Israelis”.

‘We need people from Westminster to act’

Ms Khan has called on the UK Government to act to get those who have been taken back home safely.

“The UK Government haven’t spoken up about those nationals who have been kidnapped”, she added.

“We as a country recognise the Palestinian state, but there is no condemnation from the UK Government on the kidnapping of people from 44 different countries, yet we are speaking up about people stating the truth.

“Sid is a rock, he’s definitely a leader in a group. He’s very strong; he’ll keep everybody together and positive.

“His mum, dad and siblings all go to Sid for anything they need. He’s the rock of the family, and he keeps us all together.

“His parents are elderly, and it’s been very difficult for them. Especially his father. None of us has slept since they were kidnapped. We’re just anxious and just want to know that he’s okay.

“I want to know what my government is doing to get him back home.

“Why are the Israelis not granting permission for the British Consulate to go and see him?

“We are British citizens and we need people from Westminster to act.

“They can kidnap our families, but they can’t kidnap truth. We have to keep going until Palestine is free.”

Legal aid workers out in Israel have been trying to help and say they have serious concerns.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Office told STV News that they are supporting a number of British nationals who have been detained in Israel and say they are in touch with the local authorities.