Family fears over dad on intercepted Gaza aid boat

"I just want to hear his voice to know he's ok", said Mohammed Ali's daughter Aleyah Knight

The daughter of a tutor on board a boat that was intercepted by Israeli forces has said 'I just want to hear his voice to know he's ok'.

Swindon councillor Repi Begum told the BBC that Swindon resident Mohammed Ali was part of a flotilla delivering food and medical supplies to Gaza when it was stopped in the early hours of Wednesday morning, just outside Egyptian waters.

Mr Ali's daughter, Aleyah Knight, said: "We're feeling a mixture of anger, worry and concern. I want him back home."

Israel's foreign ministry said: "Another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone ended in nothing. All the passengers are safe and in good health."

"The vessels and the passengers are transferred to an Israeli port," the Israeli government added.

"The passengers are expected to be deported promptly."

Originally from Birmingham, Mr Ali has lived in Swindon for 20 years

Mr Ali, a private tutor who is originally from Birmingham, has lived in Swindon for 20 years.

"We haven't heard from him in over 24 hours, we don't know about his welfare," said Ms Knight.

"Two young grandchildren don't understand... and have been in tears.

"My dad doesn't have a mean bone in his body. He was willing to risk everything to try and help children and families. I can't put into words how hurt that makes me feel and how worried we are."

Ms Begum told the BBC that Mr Mohammed had been on board the Thai vessel, the Abd Elkarim Eid, which was part of a fleet made up of nine vessels and 150 people.

She said she had informed Swindon North MP Will Stone and has urged the British authorities to ensure the safe passage and return of Mr Ali and others.

Last week, Israel's military stopped a 42-boat aid convoy with 479 pro-Palestinian activists on board, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. Almost all of them have been deported, with six reportedly still in detention.