As reports continue to come in of the attack on the Freedom Flotilla a convoy of ships carrying  humanitarian aid to Palestinians blockaded in the Gaza strip fears over the welfare of the passengers and the identity of those killed continue to grow.

Eyewitness reports have stated that the Israeli forces opened fire on the passengers; whilst a statement from the Israeli navy said that they only opened fire after being attacked.

The fate of 28 Britons and 10 Members of the European Parliament, who were amongst the flotilla are as yet unconfirmed; although it is hoped that they were on other boats which have been boarded and taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

Sandra White, Member of the Scottish Parliament, was aboard one of the previous attempts to end the blockade of Gaza which was fortunately successful in reaching Gaza and delivering its cargo of humanitarian aid.

Speaking this morning Ms White said: "I received a call this morning at around 5am from one of the passengers on the boat, in obvious distress, as it was being attacked and then our connection was lost.

"I still do not know the fate of that passenger, I am deeply saddened at the loss of live  and firmly believe that it is time to hold Israel accountable for its actions.

"The fact that these attacks were perpetrated in International waters in contravention of established international maritime laws makes them indefensible.

"The UK Government has a duty to protect the rights of its citizens and the Foreign Secretary must explain what steps the UK will be taking after today's tragic events.

"Our message must be clear and concise, the Israeli Government must abide by international laws and resolutions to ensure that needless suffering is ended and that real peace can begin."

Note:

The following motion has been lodged today Monday 31at May 2010 in the Scottish Parliament

'Tragic deaths aboard humanitarian convoy'

That the parliament condemns in the strongest possible terms the attack by the Israeli Navy on the freedom flotilla, a convoy of boats with over 600 passengers including 28 Britons and 10 MEPs carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza in an attempt to break the illegal blockade of Gaza; which has led to a number of deaths; notes that the attack occurred in international waters in clear contravention of international maritime law; believes that irregardless of viewpoints on the Israeli-Palestinian situation such actions perpetrated against the international community and in clear defiance of international law are indefensible and calls upon the UK Government and the EU to take appropriate actions including the consideration of sanctions.