Irish Leaders Condemn Detention of 12 Citizens on Gaza Aid Flotilla

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said the detention of 12 Irish citizens aboard an aid flotilla bound for Gaza was unacceptable. Dr Margaret Connolly, sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly, is among those detained. President Catherine Connolly, who is visiting England, described the incident as quite upsetting and said she was very worried about her sister.

Martin stated that people have a right to protest and highlight humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

Harris said his thoughts were with the president and the families of those detained. He described the detention as illegal and a breach of international law. Harris added that Ireland would raise the issue at the European Union level. He noted that members of government and opposition have criticised Israel's actions in Gaza.

The Global Sumud Flotilla said the activists were carrying food, baby formula and medical aid for Palestinians in Gaza. The UN reported last week that many displaced families remain in overcrowded tents or damaged structures. 5 million tonnes of aid and thousands of tonnes of medical supplies have entered Gaza over the past seven months.

The Gaza war began after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023.