Dear Yvette Cooper,

I urge you to demand the immediate release of the peace activists who have been kidnapped by Israel from boats on international waters. This includes at least two British citizens.

They are part of the Flotilla, which  comprises of 82 vessels with citizens of 56 countries – including British citizens - hoping to deliver aid to Palestinians.

This is another breach of international law by Israel. The flotilla is not breaking international law, it is helping to enforce it.

According to the Geneva Convention, civilians engaged in delivering humanitarian aid are protected. Any attack on the Flotilla breaches orders from the International Court of Justice in January 2024, which instructed Israel to allow aid into Gaza.

They are also protected under maritime law. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea guarantees freedom of navigation and passage in territorial waters as long as the flotilla does not threaten peace or security.

I urge you to demand Israel immediately release the peace activists and hold Israel to account for their breach of international law.

I look forward to your urgent public statement on this matter.

Kind regards.