An MP has called for the immediate release of a Gwynedd activist detained by Israeli forces during a humanitarian mission to Gaza. Chris Hill from Clwt y Bont near Deiniolen, was among more than 150 people on board vessels taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Another Welsh citizen Martin Guilfoyle, from Burry Port, was also on the flotilla when Israeli naval forces boarded the boats at night. Organisers said the vessels were in international waters near the Greek island of Crete when they were intercepted in what they described as a “violent operation”.
Liz Saville Roberts, Plaid MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, said she was “deeply concerned” about the fate of Mr Hill. She said his “location and wellbeing….. remain uncertain”
“The lack of clear information about his whereabouts is distressing for his family friends and community here at home in Gwynedd,” she said.. “Israeli forces have illegally detained people from the Flotilla. They must be released immediately.
“International humanitarian law includes important rules to facilitate the passage of humanitarian relief such as food clothing and medical supplies as well as rules on the protection of humanitarian personnel.”
The flotilla is the largest ever sea mission attempting to bring aid to Gaza and so breach the decades-long sea blockade by Israel. Among those to escape capture was Ceredigion sailor Hannah Schafer, 62, from New Quay, whose crew continued their voyage to Gaza aboard the Azur boat.
Mr Hill was sailing on Eros 1, one of the lead vessels said to have been targeted by Israeli forces. Communications were reportedly jammed before troops detained those on board. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter – sent every Tuesday
Still from CCTV footage showing flotilla members with hands in the air as Israeli forces intercept their boat(Image: Global Sumud Flotilla)
The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail from Barcelona earlier this month. Organisers expected more than 70 boats and 1,000 people from around the world to participate, with more vessels joining up as the flotilla sailed east across the Mediterranean.
According to the ships’ tracker published on the activist group’s website, 22 vessels were intercepted west of Crete, while a further 36 were still sailing by midday on Thursday.
Israel’s foreign ministry said in a post on X that it was taking about 175 activists from more than 20 boats participating in the flotilla to Israel. Foreign minister Gideon Saar later wrote on X that the activists would be transferred to Greece in co-ordination with Greek authorities.
Some detained activists were taken to Heraklion Airport in Crete following their release(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
All but two have now been released. The two men still detained are being taken to Israel “for questioning”, according to the Israeli government. The others, including Mr Hill, are expected to be temporarily accommodated on Crete while arrangements are made for their return to their home countries.
Israel’s intervention sparked protests across Europe. Fanning the flames were images of flotilla volunteers with injuries apparently sustained when being detained.
A spokesperson for the organisers, Hazami Barmada, claimed some people were injured by rubber bullets and 34 were treated in hospital.
An injured activist following Israel’s violent interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla(Image: Global Sumud Flotilla/Anadolu/Getty Images)
Leigh Evans, a Swansea-based spokesperson for Global Flotilla Cymru, recalled how he was caught up in a similar Israeli operation. Writing on Instagram, he said: “I was captured by Israeli forces on the last flotilla, so I know how serious, and how frightening, the situation these two now face.
“The psychological trauma and uncertainty are immense, and the fear they will be experiencing right now cannot be overstated. Urgent diplomatic intervention is needed to secure their safe return.”
Ms Saville Roberts said her constituent was “engaged in peaceful humanitarian work”. She added: “I am urgently seeking clarification on Chris’s safety and liberty.
“I call on the UK Government to demand full accountability from the Israeli government and to ensure the immediate protection of all civilians and humanitarian volunteers involved.”