Monday 9th June

To First Minister John Swinney,

We are writing to urgently call for you to speak out in support of the Palestinian people, and to ensure Scotland’s position in the international sphere continues to be one of compassion, justice and global citizenship.

We must call your attention to the Madleen (also known as the Freedom Flotilla), a UK-flagged civilian ship that took route to Gaza, protected under international maritime law. As a vessel flying the British flag, the Madleen fell under the jurisdiction and responsibility of the UK government, which has a legal duty to defend ‘Madleen’ and the civilians on board, and to prevent unlawful interference-including any threat or use of force by foreign powers such as Israel. Any interference would be considered a violation of international law and an infringement of that state’s sovereignty – a serious act of aggression.

Between 12AM and 1AM this morning, Monday 9th of June, the Freedom Flotilla was attacked by dangerous Israeli military drones. An unidentified liquid was sprayed across the boat, causing burning of eyes. Communications from the ship were intercepted and purposefully distorted, to disable the crew from asking for assistance.

By 1AM, we watched as members of the Israeli occupational forces fully intercepted the Madleen.

The crew have now been kidnapped by Israel, and are being held hostage. This is illegal under multiple frameworks of international law. It is in direct violation of the measures ordered by the International Court of Justice.

As a devolved state, we recognise – and are frustrated by - the limited powers we have with regards to British foreign affairs. However, at this time, we call on you to represent the voice of the Scottish people.

We ask you to make it clear, through both public and political platforms, that Scotland will not stand for Israel’s continued acts of impunity.

We ask you to condemn the actions taken in detaining the activists on board the Madleen, who simply wanted to deliver vital medical aid, food, and provisions to the Palestinian people.

We ask you to immediately call on the suspension of arms and military equipment exports to Israel from UK firms.

We ask you to use all powers at your disposal to urgently call an end to Israel’s illegal blockage of Gaza, and their wider colonisation of occupied Palestinian territories.

Israel have killed at least 54,607 Palestinians, and injured 125,341 between the October 7th attacks and last week. (The Ministry of Health, Gaza, 2025)

14,500 Palestinian children have been killed by Israel. 17,000 have been separated from their parents or orphaned. (Unicef, 2025)

Scotland is better than this. We do not, should not and cannot stand by and continue to watch.

We implore you to act.

Signed,

The People of Scotland