15 Irish Citizens Detained In Israel As Part Of Flotilla Aid Interception
15 Irish Citizens Detained In Israel As Part Of Flotilla Aid Interception
15 Irish citizens are currently detained by Israel as part of their interception of the Sumud Flotilla concourse set to deliver aid to Gaza.
39 boats have been intercepted by Israeli authorities as they reached the final stretch of their journey. 40 civilian boats containing over 500 activists set out to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza as they undergo a siege and genocide imposed by Israel. Since the seizure of the boats, 17 Palestinians have been murdered by Israel as part of the ongoing conflict. Only one boat is left.
Israel claims that this blockade breaches naval their “lawful” naval blockade, a claim which is not upheld by the international courts. Almost all 500 people are now in the hands of Israel against their will, this includes the 11 Irish citizens, as well as notable figures such as Greta Thunberg.
Israel has stated that all activists will eventually be deported back to their country of origin. Israeli authorities have also offered to transfer the aid on the boats to Gaza through their vetted channels. Given the mass starvation, blockade of aid and grievous humanitarian breaches regarding aid distribution, this is unlikely.
The names of the Irish citizens, formerly aboard the Flotilla and now in Israeli custody are: Catríona Graham, Louise Heaney, Sarah Clancy, Sinn Féin Senator Chris Andrews, Diarmuid Mac Dubhghlais, Cormac O’Daly, Colm Byrne, Thomas McCune, Tara O’Grady, Tadhg Hickey, Mary Almai, Patrick Kelly, Tara Sheehy, Donna Marie Schwarz and Patrick O’Donovan.
There will be a protest against the detainment of these Irish citizens and the wider impact of the Flotilla’s halt today at the Dáil at 12:30. Learn more here.
Elsewhere on District: Suspected Second Drone Strike Hits Gaza Aid Flotilla Boat Carrying Irish Citizens
