Parents urge UK to act after son detained by Israel

The parents of a British man detained on a flotilla delivering aid to Gaza have called on the UK government to condemn Israel's actions.

Ben Trowell, 36, of Bristol, was among about 180 activists on 22 boats intercepted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in international waters near Crete.

His parents Liz and Dave Trowell watched the incident unfold live via social media at about 02:00 local time (00:00 BST) and told the BBC about their fears for his safety, adding they were "waiting for our government to speak out against it".

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said efforts to deliver aid by sea highlighted the "dire humanitarian situation in Gaza".

The organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) denounced the action as "piracy", saying those on board had been seized unlawfully more than 965km (600 miles) from Gaza, which is under an Israeli naval blockade.

Israel has dismissed the flotilla as a "PR stunt" and insisted its actions complied with international law.

It is being reported that Israeli forces claim the activists have been taken to Greece, while 26 boats from the original flotilla continue towards Gaza.

Liz Trowell said she found out "by chance" what had happened by watching the live social media feed of her son, from St George, who she said remained "incredibly calm" when their boat was intercepted.

"I was very scared, because then it went black and then we didn't really hear anything.

"The aim of the flotilla is to try and create a corridor and break the siege so that there is a way of getting aid more permanently into Palestine.

"He's always stressed it's a legal mission to deliver humanitarian aid. And it is to raise awareness as well."

In anticipation of being intercepted, Ben had recorded a video message, which was released earlier.

In the video, he said: "Tell my government to end complicity with Israel and to bring me home. Stop the genocide."

Trowell said her son has long been a supporter of Palestine, who "became more and more involved and outraged at the injustice of the situation".

"He said he really believed he was going to make it this time to Palestine to help the Gazans and deliver them aid.

"God, I want him home, I want him safe and sound," she said.

"I think what they've done is an illegal act. It's much bolder than what they did last time, they've come 600 miles from their country to do this in international waters.

"I'm waiting for our government to be speaking out against it," she added.

The Israeli foreign ministry said that "due to the large numbers of vessels participating in the flotilla and the risk of escalation, and the need to prevent the breach of a lawful blockade, an early action was required".

An FCDO spokesperson said: "We're closely engaging with Israeli authorities with the expectation that the situation will be resolved safely and in line with international law.

"Efforts to deliver aid by sea highlight the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

"Israel must do more to allow sufficient aid into Gaza, in line with agreed minimum targets."

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