Lmst

What I don't understand is how you can ignore these innocent faces? How can any of you help these children and not? None of them are my children, but I can't ignore their pain, their displacement, and the loss of their childhood. I live in the same hell as them, but their fears are killing me. I wish I could protect you from all of this! #FreePalestine #ChildrenOfGaza #GazaGenocide #WarCrimes #PalestinianAction #GazaIsConfirmed #GazaNeedsHelp
https://chuffed.org/project/162499-help-abdel-and-eman-protect-their-little-children

Swansea humanitarian returns home after detention in Israel

Gower MP Tonia Antoniazzi confirmed the news in a Facebook post on Tuesday, saying she was “relieved” that her constituent was back in Swansea after his ordeal. Evans had been part of a humanitarian flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza when the vessel was intercepted.

From aid mission to prison cell

What began as a humanitarian voyage ended with Evans and fellow crew members being taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod, around 30 miles north of Gaza, before being transferred to Ketziot prison in the Negev desert.

He was held there for four days, during which he reported unsanitary conditions, harsh treatment from guards and a lack of adequate drinking water. A British consulate representative was able to visit the detainees during this period, offering some reassurance to families back home.

Release, return and reflection

Evans was eventually released on bail and returned to the UK. His detention coincided with the Jewish holiday of Sukkot and Friday prayers in Istanbul, which he described as a moving experience despite the circumstances.

Back in Swansea, his wife Mae Grave praised the British consulate for its support and thanked neighbours in Sandy Lane for rallying around the family during the ordeal. She said the community’s solidarity had been a source of strength.

MP hails community support

In her letter to constituents, Tonia Antoniazzi MP expressed pride in the consulate’s role and the backing shown locally, adding that Evans’ safe return was a relief to all who had followed the case.

Swansea Bay News previously reported on MPs raising concerns in Parliament about the safety of Britons on the flotilla. Evans’ return now closes a chapter that had sparked both international attention and deep local worry.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Gower MP issues update on Swansea humanitarian detained with Gaza flotilla
Tonia Antoniazzi MP provided an update after her constituent Leigh Evans was detained while delivering aid towards Gaza.

Swansea humanitarian among Britons on Gaza flotilla as MPs raise safety concerns
MPs raised concerns in Parliament over the safety of British nationals, including Swansea’s Leigh Evans, on board the aid flotilla.

#flotilla #Gaza #Israel #LeighEvans #Palestine #PalestinianAction #ProPalestinian #Swansea #ThousandMadleenFlotilla #ToniaAntoniazziMP

Leigh Evans crying and appealing to Egyptian police officers at the Rafah crossing into Gaza.

Gower MP issues update on Swansea humanitarian detained with Gaza flotilla

Vessel intercepted and towed to Ashdod

In a statement released this afternoon (8 October), Ms Antoniazzi said that Mr Evans had been on board the Abd ElKarin Eid, one of the flotilla vessels, when it was stopped by Israeli forces last night.

The ship is currently being towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod, a journey expected to take around 20 hours.

Updates from the Foreign Office and the consular caseworker assigned to Mr Evans confirm that he is safe and well.

Flotilla statement

The Thousand Madleen Flotilla said lawyers would be able to meet those detained once they arrive on land, and that Mr Evans’s wife, Maz Varey, was being kept informed.

“We are hopeful that Leigh and the other crew members will be released soon and will be able to return home safely,” the group said. “We have no confirmation at this moment of the time and date of their release or return, but we hope they will be able to return to the UK within the next few days.”

The statement also expressed gratitude to contacts in Israel “who are doing all they can to ensure Leigh Evans returns safely to his home in Wales.”

MP: “We remain in constant contact”

Ms Antoniazzi said her office was in regular contact with both the Foreign Office and Mr Evans’s family.

“My team remains in constant contact with Leigh’s wife, Maz, and with officials handling his case. We will continue to press for updates and to support the family until Leigh is safely home.”

The journey so far

As we reported earlier this week (full story here), Leigh Evans was among several Britons aboard the flotilla, which set sail to deliver humanitarian aid towards Gaza.

Concerns for their safety were raised in Parliament, with MPs urging the UK Government to ensure consular support for those involved.

Awaiting release and return

It is not yet clear when Mr Evans and the other crew members will be released, but hopes remain that they could return to the UK within days. Swansea Bay News will continue to follow developments closely.

Related Articles

#AbdElKarinEid #ForeignOffice #Gaza #GretaThunberg #Israel #Palestine #PalestinianAction #ProPalestinian #protest #Swansea #ThousandMadleenFlotilla #ToniaAntoniazziMP #UKGovernment #UKParliament

Leigh Evans seated on the deck of the flotilla yacht during preparations for the Gaza aid mission.

Swansea humanitarian among Britons on Gaza flotilla as MPs raise safety concerns

Leigh Evans, who describes himself as a “full‑time humanitarian,” is among two Welsh participants on the Global Sumud Flotilla, alongside Nadia Kearney from Wrexham. The convoy of boats, backed by campaigner Greta Thunberg, is attempting to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza.

Leigh Evans on board the flotilla yacht as campaigners prepare to set sail for Gaza.(Photo: instagram.com/leighcadno)

MPs sign letter to Foreign Secretary

Gower MP Tonia Antoniazzi confirmed she is one of 84 parliamentarians who have signed a letter to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper calling for protection of those on board.

She wrote on social media:

“Two Welsh citizens – Leigh Evans from Swansea and Nadia Kearney from Wrexham – are among those on board. We must ensure their safety and defend their right to engage in non‑violent humanitarian action.”

The letter, coordinated by Labour MP Bell Ribeiro‑Addy, highlights past incidents where flotillas have been intercepted by Israeli forces and urges the UK Government to take steps to prevent harm to British nationals.

Letter from Bell Ribeiro‑Addy MP to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, signed by 84 parliamentarians, raising concerns for the safety of British citizens on the Global Sumud Flotilla.

Previous arrest in London protest

Evans has been a visible figure in pro‑Palestinian activism. In August he was arrested during a London protest in support of the banned group Palestine Action. Extinction Rebellion, which shared footage of the arrest, described it as part of a wider clampdown on freedom of expression.

Following his release, Evans posted a lengthy message on Instagram urging supporters not to “fear the arrest,” calling for “passive interference” such as strikes, unpaid leave, and visible acts of solidarity. His post ended with the slogan “From the river to the sea.”

Leigh Evans being arrested during a London protest in support of Palestine Action earlier this year.(Photo: instagram.com/leighcadno)

Viral moment at Rafah crossing

Evans previously went viral after being filmed in tears at the Rafah border in Egypt, pleading with police to be allowed into Gaza. In the clip, reported by the Jewish Chronicle, he described the “horror” of conditions inside the Strip and appealed to officers as his “brothers” to “allow us to stand for Falesteen”.

Leigh Evans in tears as he pleads with Egyptian police at the Rafah border, urging to be allowed into Gaza.(Image: YouTube)

Calls for protection

Campaigners in Wales have echoed concerns for those on board. Pembrokeshire activist Jim Scott has written to MPs and ministers urging the UK and Welsh governments to follow European countries that have pledged naval protection for their citizens.

He warned that flotilla vessels had already faced intimidation in international waters and said: “Innocent Palestinian civilians, women and children are starving and under constant bombardment, and those aboard the flotilla are risking their lives to help them.”

Humanitarian mission under scrutiny

The flotilla, carrying food, baby formula and medical supplies, has drawn international attention. Supporters describe it as a peaceful humanitarian effort, while critics argue such missions risk confrontation with Israeli forces enforcing the blockade.

For Evans, the journey marks the latest chapter in a series of high‑profile interventions that have made him both a celebrated and controversial figure in the UK’s pro‑Palestinian movement.

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#ExtinctionRebellion #flotilla #Gower #GretaThunberg #humanitarian #Israel #Palestine #PalestinianAction #ProPalestinian #protest #Swansea #ToniaAntoniazziMP #UKGovernment

Leigh Evans standing on shore next to the yacht he is joining for the Global Sumud Flotilla aid mission.

Image of a formal letter from MP Bell Ribeiro‑Addy to the Foreign Secretary, urging protection for British citizens aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza.

Arrested for holding a sign saying "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action”. Terrible.

The introduction to the article, "WARNING: Showing support for Palestine Action now constitutes a terrorism offence under UK law. Please bear this in mind if commenting on this article on social media." Worse.

My solution: Show your support for the

International Sail & Power Academy.

Write the acronym with an asterisk and disambiguate in the fine print.

https://novaramedia.com/2025/07/05/protesters-arrested-for-holding-i-support-palestine-action-signs/

https://www.ispa.com/

#Gaza #PalestinianAction #FreeSpeech #Genocide