16 Irish Activists Detained by Israel After Aid Flotilla Interception
Gaza: Israel has detained 16 Irish pro-Palestinian activists after intercepting a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. Israeli authorities confirmed the group will be deported, reiterating that no vessel would be allowed to breach the legal naval blockade around Gaza.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said deportation procedures would begin shortly and published photographs of several activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, who was also part of the flotilla.
Irish Citizens Among Those Detained
According to flotilla organisers, 16 Irish citizens — including Senator Chris Andrews — were taken into custody by Israeli forces. Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris told the Dáil that at least 14 Irish nationals had been detained, while reports indicated a total of 22 Irish citizens were on board.
Those confirmed to be in Israeli custody include:
Catriona Graham, Colm Byrne, Cormac O’Dally, Diarmuid Mac Dubglais, Donna Schwarz, Louise Heaney, Maureen Almay, Meehol Fix, Paddy Kelly, Patrick O’Donovan, Sarah Clancy, Tadhg Hickey, Tara O’Grady, Tara Sheehy, and Thomas McKeown.
Separately, novelist Naoise Dolan was reported aboard a smaller vessel stranded off the Gaza coast due to engine trouble.
Background on the Flotilla
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail last month alongside 44 other vessels, was organised in response to a United Nations warning of a deepening food crisis in Gaza. The ships carried aid, activists, and political figures from around the world.
Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis confirmed that 39 of the 45 ships were intercepted and diverted to the Israeli port of Ashdod, stressing that all passengers were safe and that no violence had occurred.
Greek organisers said that 11 Greek nationals detained on board had begun a hunger strike to protest what they called Israel’s illegal detention. Organisers also reported losing live communication links with some ships after the interception.
International Reactions
The interception sparked strong criticism and protests worldwide:
- Amnesty International denounced the move as an attempt to “punish and silence critics of Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza.”
- Hamas described it as “piracy and maritime terrorism”.
- South Africa demanded the immediate release of activists, including Mandela Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela.
- Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced plans to expel Israeli diplomats.
- Turkey condemned the detention of Turkish citizens, calling it an act of terrorism.
- Spain’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Israeli ambassador after confirming 65 Spanish nationals were on board.
Meanwhile, protests erupted across Europe. In Italy, unions staged a general strike in solidarity with the flotilla, with hundreds marching through Rome. A second strike was announced, demanding stronger government action.
Political Divides
Despite widespread condemnation, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended Israel’s actions, criticising the flotilla as counterproductive. She argued the initiative endangered diplomatic efforts, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest proposed peace plan for Gaza.
The flotilla, which had briefly paused in Tunisia following a bombing, resumed its voyage on September 15, marking another chapter in growing global solidarity with Gaza as the war drags on.
Irish Samachar English News
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