Welsh nurse Leigh Evans was detained by the Israeli authorities after a ship he was on making an attempt to ship help to Gaza was intercepted
A Welsh nurse has been detained by the Israeli authorities after a ship he was on heading in the direction of Gaza with help was intercepted. The Abd Elkarim Eid vessel carrying Leigh Evans, a nurse from Swansea, was intercepted by Israeli authorities in a single day on Tuesday.
An replace shared by his spouse Maz Varey from the organisers of the flotilla stated the uncertainty of the state of affairs is “scary” they usually hope Mr Evans will probably be returned to the UK quickly.
A Overseas Workplace spokesman stated they have been in contact with the Israeli authorities and are supporting the households of “plenty of British nationals” who’ve been detained.
In a video posted on his Instagram on Wednesday Mr Evans, who was carrying a bandana lined within the Welsh flag, stated: “My title is Roger Leigh Evans from the UK. If you’re seeing this video now we have been intercepted at sea and I’ve been kidnapped by the Israeli occupational forces of a rustic taking part in Israel’s genocide of Palestinians.
“I enchantment to all my comrades, associates, and household to place strain on the British authorities to demand my launch as quickly as attainable.” For our free day by day briefing on the most important points dealing with the nation signal as much as the Wales Issues publication right here.
Mr Evans was considered one of plenty of pro-Palestinian activists aboard the Abd Elkarim Eid which was considered one of 9 boats within the Thousand Madleen Flotilla. The marketing campaign’s mission is “to interrupt the blockade of Gaza via peaceable solidarity”.
It is understood that the people who have been detained are presently being processed by the Israeli authorities.
A video of Mr Evans pleading with Egyptian police to let him enter Gaza and ship help went viral after being shared on-line earlier this yr.
Labour MP for Gower Tonia Antoniazzi printed the next assertion after Mr Evans was detained: “We’ve been intently monitoring Leigh’s journey aboard the Abd Elkarim Eid, one of many vessels within the Thousand Madleen Flotilla. The flotilla, which included 9 boats in complete, was intercepted by Israeli authorities final evening and is presently being towed to the Israeli Port of Ashdod. The journey is predicted to take roughly 20 hours.
“We’re awaiting additional updates from the Overseas Workplace and the consular caseworker assigned to Leigh Evans as soon as the boats arrive on the port. Within the meantime my group stays involved with Leigh’s spouse Maz Varey.”
The assertion included this replace Ms Varey obtained from the organisers of the flotilla: “As soon as they’re on land our legal professionals will take over and we’ll lastly have some data once more.
“The uncertainty is scary however listed below are some issues to reassure you: we spoke at size to the crews of the Sumud Flotilla who returned yesterday and who have been unanimous: the tow to the Israeli port went properly for them, as did the situations of detention. In precept the identical situations ought to apply to our crews. The Israeli Ministry of Overseas Affairs has introduced the crews will probably be ‘repatriated as quickly as attainable’.
“We may have no affirmation of this till the crews are ashore, and accompanied by our legal professionals, however we hope they may return to their respective nations as quickly as attainable and that is what our legal professionals will probably be engaged on.”
Ms Antoniazzi added: “Please be reassured that we’re involved with the related British authorities who’re doing all they’ll to make sure Leigh Evans returns safely to his residence in Sandy Lane.”
