Concern grows for 'missing' Borders journalist on board Gaza Aid Flotilla stopped by Israel
Last updated 6th Oct 2025
There's growing concern for a journalist, with links to the Scottish Borders, reported missing after the aid flotilla she was on was stopped from entering Gaza by Israel.
According to her "deeply-worried" husband, Yvonne Ridley was to be deported to Istanbul but disappeared during the transfer.
The former Alba Party candidate contested the Jedburgh seat in local elections three years ago.
A message shared by Asli Samir - Dr Ridley's partner - said: "It has been over 48 hours, and we have received no substantial information or updates from the UK Foreign Office regarding Yvonne's safety or well-being, despite official claims that families are being informed.
"This blackout is terrifying for a family in our situation."
It added: "Yvonne was on a mission of conscience to help starving children, and she has been kidnapped in international waters."
WATCH: Yvonne Ridley posted a video aboard the Omar Al Mokhtar before she disappeared...
First Minister John Swinney has said he is "very concerned" about the wellbeing of the four Scots detained by Israel last week while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg is also among 450 people on board the Global Sumud Flotilla who were held in Israeli prisons.
Some activists have alleged mistreatment at the hands of Israeli guards. Israel denies the claims.
The Israeli foreign ministry said it offered voluntary deportation to all of the activists and those that remain in detention chose to stay there in order to go through a legal deportation process.
On Monday, Scotland's First Minister called for the immediate release of the Scots.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Mr Swinney said: "I'm very concerned about the wellbeing of the individuals who are part of the flotilla that are now being held in Israel.
"We have been in touch on an ongoing basis with the UK Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) since Thursday and I'm very satisfied with the engagement that we've had with the FCDO, and they're dealing with a difficult situation with the Israeli government.
"But what I would make a plea for is for there to be urgent consular access for all individuals to make sure their wellbeing is assured - that should be an absolute given in any of these circumstances.
"And also for the immediate return of those individuals.
"We are making those representations to the United Kingdom Government, who are, of course, interacting with the Israeli government on these questions."
The FCDO has been approached for comment.
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