Thursday June 12th 2025
Lorna Slater, Lothian MSP and Scottish Greens co-leader writes her monthly column for Midlothian View.
In the early hours of Monday morning, the world witnessed yet another brazen violation of international law by the Israeli government.
The Madleen, a UK-flagged humanitarian aid vessel, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters while en route to Gaza.
Aboard were 12 peace activists, including high-profile figures such as climate activist Greta Thunberg, Irish actor Liam Cunningham and French MEP Rima Hassan.
This ship was not a threat, Israel knew that from before it had even left port. It carried no weapons, only vital humanitarian supplies. Food, water, and medicine for the besieged people of Gaza.
Yet, despite the clear protections of international maritime law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Israeli forces boarded and seized the vessel in a violent, nighttime raid.
Let us be clear, this was not just an attack on a ship. It was an attack on humanitarian principles, on international law and on the right of civilians to live free from siege and starvation.
It was an attempt to silence the growing global demand for justice and dignity for Palestinians.
Scotland and indeed the UK, cannot look away.
The presence of global figures like Thunberg and Cunningham on the Madleen highlights the international scale of concern over the continued blockade of Gaza and is putting the strongest of spotlights on Israel’s actions facilitating arguably the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.
We must not allow the UK Government’s silence to imply consent.
Successive governments have remained complicit in the face of clear war crimes, continuing to arm and support the Israeli regime while turning their backs on the victims of its actions.
With a UK vessel now seized and its passengers detained, the Labour government’s refusal to speak out is both shameful and dangerous.
We cannot claim to stand for peace, human rights and the rule of law while funding, arming, and enabling a regime that so flagrantly violates all three.
We must demand action. The blockade of Gaza must end. The UK must halt all arms sales to Israel, suspend military cooperation and stand on the side of humanity.
The Madleen’s mission was to shine a light on the suffering of Gaza and the complicity of the international community in its ongoing tragedy. That light is now brighter than ever. What happens next will show whether the world is willing to act or merely watch.
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