IHRC has written to the prime minister Keir Starmer to demand his urgent intervention in securing the safety and release of UK nationals detained by Israel after soldiers stormed the vessels they were sailing in to attempt to break the blockade of Gaza.

Several British activists are believed to be amongst those abducted from the Sumud freedom flotilla last week and being held in conditions other activists have described as abusive and abhorrent.

They have reported being subjected to violent beatings, verbal abuse and in some cases also deprived of medicine, food and water. Some also had their passports confiscated.

Families of the UK activists, who include the journalist and politician Yvonne Ridley, have not heard anything of their loved ones for several days and seem to be getting little support from government officials.

It is intolerable that the government should stand idly by and watch British citizens being mistreated in this way, hiding behind hollow expressions of “concern”.

In the letter sent today, IHRC demands that the PM condemns this act of international piracy by Israel in the strongest possible terms, warn against further maltreatment of British citizens, and demands their immediate release and return on pain of sanctions against Tel Aviv.

[ENDS]

For more information or comment please contact the Press Office on (+44) 208 904 0222  or (+44) 7958 522196 or email media@ihrc.org

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IHRC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

Islamic Human Rights Commission

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