REPORTS have been received that a Newquay woman was among those to be “kidnapped” when the Global Sumud Flotilla was allegedly intercepted in international waters by the Israeli Navy in the early hours of Thursday, April 30.

Katy Davidson, of Newquay, known locally by many as ‘the Oyster Lady’, was said to have been part of the flotilla carrying pro-Palestinian activists. It is believed 21 vessels were boarded during a night-time operation, with dozens of participants taken into custody, including at least eight from the UK.

A spokesperson for the UK Global Sumud detail events, they said: “The Flotilla, including the UK Global Sumud delegation, was in international waters off the coast of Greece when several Flotilla vessels reported being surrounded by dozens of drones, speedboats, and large military warships.

“In a video released by Greenpeace, a radio operator identifying himself as representing the Israeli navy ordered the Flotilla to change course, and that proceeding to Gaza “places your safety at risk”. Subsequent to this, communications with several Flotilla vessels began to cut out, and armed Israeli soldiers began boarding vessels.

“Despite this, morale remained high aboard the vessels in the lead up to the attack, and all participants remain steadfast in their determination to break the illegal Israeli siege. Ahead of his own kidnapping, participant Ben Trowell reminded us that all participants have trained for this situation, and that anything participants may go through is nothing compared to the suffering experienced by the Palestinian people.

“The remaining vessels continue sailing to Gaza, carrying lifesaving aid and the will to break the siege and stop the genocide.”

However, Israel has dismissed the claims as a “PR stunt” insisting its actions complied with international law. The Israeli foreign ministry stated that the operation was carried out in international waters “peacefully and without any casualties”.