Indian-origin aid worker on ship attacked by Israel

LONDON - An Indian-origin British aid worker, who was on a ship that was part of the Gaza-bound aid flotilla attacked by Israeli commandos, is believed to be in an Israeli jail.

Ismail Adam Patel, an optician based in the Oadby area of Leicester, was one of the 40 British citizens taking part in the convoy which set out to protest against the Israeli blockade of Gaza. Patel set up the Leicester branch of pro-Palestinian Friends of Al Aqsa about 15 years ago.

Foreign Office authorities in London are unable to say anything about Patel as no information is forthcoming from the spot.

However, the British embassy in Tel Aviv says it is likely that the survivors of the convoy attack were being held in Be’er Sheva, a city in the Negev desert. If no court proceedings are brought against them, they could be released within 72 hours.

Patel was said to be sailing in the convoy’s lead ship, the Mavi Marmara. One other Briton injured in the shootout was also travelling on this ship.

Hours before the troops moved in Monday, Patel posted a video on YouTube describing how they were surrounded by Israeli navy forces.

He can be seen standing on deck with a lifejacket and saying: “At the moment, we can see three frigates and a helicopter is hovering overhead, despite the fact we are in international waters, some 100 miles from the shores of Israel. We call upon everybody in Britain to help us to raise the alarm and get our government to intervene.”

The flotilla was carrying humanitarian supplies to the Gaza strip.

Patel’s brother Shockat told the Leicester Mercury newspaper: “When we heard what had happened it was as though our worst nightmares were coming true.

“Before he left we hoped everything would go smoothly but there was always a risk it could go wrong.”

Suleman Nagdi, spokesman for Leicestershire Federation of Muslim Organisations, said: “We are trying to do everything practically possible to help the family. My fear is those who are injured will be taken into custody. No contact has been made with Ismail since midnight last night, and watching the scenes on TV of the barbaric actions of the Israeli army only intensifies the concern for his welfare felt by his family.”

Edward Garnier, the MP from Harborough adjoining Leicester, added: “I have spoken to two foreign office ministers and have passed on his details. I know they are actively checking to see if he is hurt or not. I spoke to him before his trip and he sent me messages up until he got on the flotilla.”

In London, pro-Palestinian campaigners staged a blockade near Whitehall shouting “Stop Israel’s War Crimes in Gaza” and spoke of their fears about the fate of British citizens and others aboard the flotilla.

Hundreds of activists blocked Whitehall shouting “Free Palestine” and carried flags and banners with slogans such as “Stop Israel’s War Crimes in Gaza” and “End the Criminal Siege of Gaza”.

The convoy of six ships had about 600 volunteers on board and the activists were trying to defy a blockade imposed by Israel after Hamas took power in Gaza in 2007.