Leigh Evans — Welsh Activist & Ground Crew

Leigh Evans — Welsh Activist, Global Sumud Flotilla Ground Crew

Last updated: 25 May 2026

Bio

Activism

Leigh Evans has been a prominent Welsh activist for the Palestinian cause, particularly visible through social media videos advocating for the people of Gaza.

• Retired NHS nurse from Swansea
• Was scheduled to join a subsequent wave of the flotilla after the initial vessels departed
• Flew the Welsh dragon flag in Palestinian colours — first saw the flag design from a Palestinian paramedic colleague while working in the West Bank
• Previously captured by Israeli forces on an earlier flotilla, giving her firsthand experience of the detention conditions

Key Quotes

"We are leaving the UK with the Dunkirk spirit to meet up with the French resistance. Unlike in Dunkirk, however, our governments are helping the fascist genocide. So it is up to us humanity to go with love in our hearts not bullets and bombs and try to lift the siege on Gaza."

"I was captured by Israeli forces on the last flotilla, so I know how serious, and how frightening, the situation these two now face will be. The psychological trauma and uncertainty are immense, and the physical abuse they are subjected to is wholly unacceptable."

"The seizure of unarmed civilians in international waters is a grave violation of human rights and sets a dangerous precedent. We call on the Foreign Secretary to act immediately to secure their release."

Media Coverage

• Nation.Cymru — cited as Global Flotilla Cymru spokesperson
• Social media — gained attention through videos advocating for Gaza

Sources

• Nation.Cymru: nation.cymru — "Two Welsh activists among those detained after Gaza aid flotilla intercepted at sea" (30 Apr 2026)
• Nation.Cymru: nation.cymru — "Welsh activists join 'historic' Humanitarian Flotilla sailing from Barcelona to Gaza" (4 Sep 2025)