Khan, a British activist who was detained in Israel earlier this year, spoke at the University of Edinburgh on Thursday 30 October.
Khan was one of thirteen British people in the Global Sumud Flotilla, accompanying Greta Thunberg, to bring aid to Gaza this year.
He was held in prison from 1 October to 3 October after Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla; he was one of four Scots held captive.
He spoke of the attacks on the boats – midnight bombings by drones – and the process of his incarceration with great strength.
Khan’s eyewitness stories included allegations about the failings of the UK government in the rescue and protection of its citizens during his detention.
Khan maintains that during the illegal capture of the Flotilla, the British Army stood by, with RAF planes flying above without intervention.
Moreover, imprisoned people from other nations had chartered flights to get them out of Israel, but the British government reportedly told Khan that they weren’t planning any repatriation acts soon.
Khan’s return to the UK was made possible because of the goodwill of the Jordanians.
Khan described their treatment in prison, revealing they were unable to sleep properly for days with Israeli soldiers kicking in the door to wake them every two hours.
He told his audience that the situation in Gaza motivated him to stick to his mission throughout his five-week journey and seven-day detention in prison.
“McEwan Hall, Bristo Square, University of Edinburgh” by dun_deagh is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.