UK must warn Israel against harming Brits on Gaza flotilla, lawmakers say

More than 80 British lawmakers have written to Yvette Cooper, the UK foreign secretary, raising concerns about the safety of British citizens on board the Global Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza with aid supplies. 

“Past aid missions have been intercepted by Israeli forces who illegally threatened, intimidated, unlawfully boarded the vessels, and detained the civilian crew,” the 84 MPs and peers wrote in a joint letter on Thursday.

“We are concerned that Israel is planning to treat this aid mission with similar hostility, putting the safety of British citizens at risk.” 

The signatories include former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, several independent lawmakers elected on a pro-Palestine platform, as well as lawmakers from Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and the Scottish National Party, among others. 

The British government has said it cannot offer diplomatic protection to its citizens onboard the flotilla. 

Mathilda Mallinson, Middle East Eye’s correspondent onboard one of the flotilla's boats, said earlier this week that the UK Foreign Office told her mother it was "unable to offer" diplomatic protection. 

Diplomatic protection is action the UK can take against another country for injury caused to a British national, or their property, in violation of international law. 

One boat Israel apparently bombed in Tunis, Alma, is a British vessel and flies the British flag. At least 13 people on the flotilla are British citizens.

'The participants on the flotilla are journalists, healthcare professionals, aid workers and activists. They are not terrorists, nor do they pose a threat to Israel'

- letter to UK foreign secretary

“We have already seen attempts to forcefully stop this aid mission, with vessels attacked by what are believed to be Israeli drones, causing a small blaze on two of the vessels,” the parliamentarians said in the letter. 

“We are now seeing social media posts from the Israeli government suggesting the flotilla is being backed by Hamas. We are concerned that this may be laying the groundwork for future hostility and possible violence towards the flotilla.

“The participants on the flotilla are journalists, healthcare professionals, aid workers and activists. They are not terrorists, nor do they pose a threat to Israel.”

The letter urged Cooper to relay to her Israeli counterparts “in the strongest possible terms” that no harm must come to the flotilla or the British citizens on board. 

Spain and Italy sent naval ships into the Mediterranean Sea following an Israeli drone attack on the flotilla on Wednesday morning. 

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday: "Tomorrow we will dispatch a naval vessel from Cartagena with all necessary resources in case it is necessary to assist the flotilla and carry out a rescue operation."

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on Thursday: "We have sent one ship and another is on its way, ready for any eventuality."

MEE understands the British government does not plan to send warships to accompany the Gaza flotilla, but that it would offer consular support to British nationals if needed.

Spain follows Italy in sending navy ship to aid Gaza flotilla

Read More »

Activists from 44 countries, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, are on board the civilian flotilla - the largest maritime aid convoy to head for Gaza since Israel began its genocide of Palestinians in October 2023. 

The boats are carrying aid provisions including baby formula and medical supplies, as well as more than 300 participants. Among them are parliamentarians from countries including France, Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Algeria, Italy and Germany.

The flotilla was previously attacked by projectiles launched by drones while anchored in Tunisia on 8 and 9 September.

The Tunisian government described the attacks as "premeditated", but Israel did not take responsibility.

Israel has frequently intercepted flotillas attempting to break its siege on Gaza over the past two decades, often diverting vessels to Israel and deporting activists on board.

In 2010 Israeli forces attacked the Mavi Marmara aid ship, killing 10 civilians.

The UN said this week it was calling for an urgent investigation into reports of an attack on the flotilla.