Arrested flotilla member keen on second Gaza trip

A tutor detained by Israel Defence Forces (IDF) last month says the "love and happiness" of his family is motivating him to attempt a second trip to Gaza.

Mohammed Ali, 49, from Swindon, was part of a flotilla which was stopped by the IDF near Egyptian waters. The crew were detained and taken to an Israeli prison before being deported.

Despite saying he was "prepared for death" on his first attempt, Mr Ali said he plans to be part of a "huge" 100-vessel flotilla aiming to set sail for Gaza in 2026.

The Israel Foreign Ministry described the October flotilla as "another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockage and enter a combat zone ending in nothing".

Mr Ali (second from right) says he and his crew are planning a "bigger mission"

The fleet intercepted last month was made up of nine vessels and 150 people from a range of countries.

It was being jointly run by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Thousand Madleens to Gaza.

Earlier in October, Israel's military stopped a 42-boat aid convoy with 479 pro-Palestinian activists on board, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.

Gaza is currently subject to a naval blockade preventing vessels entering the territory.

The current Foreign Office advice for British nationals is not to attempt to enter Gaza.

Despite this, Mr Ali said: "We're all still in touch and and organising a bigger mission for next year.

"The bond we created, its becoming bigger and bigger, to do more for the people of Palestine".

He added: "The organisations [involved in the first flotilla mission] are gathering feedback. Our aim is a huge flotilla with over 100 vessels."

Mr Ali said, since returning home, he watches his happy family and "feels the love" but continually thinks about "all those [in Gaza] who have lost their loved ones".

He said he wants the people of Palestine to "feel the happiness" that his family is "privileged to feel".

Mr Ali's daughter, Aleyah Knight, said: "One of the first things he [Mr Ali] said to me was 'I have to go back', he wanted me to know as soon as possible that he wasn't finished."

She added: "It is hard wanting to keep him safe with me but knowing its more important for him to go there and help the people who need help."

The IDF has previously described the flotillas as a "publicity stunt" and said it intercepted them as they were approaching a combat zone and "violating a lawful naval blockade".