Gaza flotilla activists detained by Israel have been released, lawyer says
By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association
There must be a “strong, unambiguous” EU response to the illegal detention of European flotilla participants by Israel, the Tánaiste has said.
Dr Margaret Connolly, sister of President Catherine Connolly, was among around 15 Irish citizens on board the Global Sumud Flotilla that were detained by Israel, according to organisers.
Hundreds more participants from other countries were also detained.
The flotilla had been carrying aid to Gaza.
The detained flotilla participants are all returning home, according to a lawyer associated with the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Suhad Bishara said on Thursday morning that all but a small number will be taken to Ramon Airport in the south of the country where two aeroplanes will transport them to Turkey, while three had been deported through Ben Gurion Airport instead.
He told RTÉ Radio One’s Today with David McCullagh that they would then take further flights to their home countries.
He said Dr Connolly was among those travelling home.
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In a video on social media on Wednesday, Israel’s national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is shown walking among some of the detainees and saying they should remain in prison for a long time.
The footage shows some people kneeling on the ground in tightly packed groups with their hands tied behind their backs.
The video and the detention of the flotilla participants has been condemned by senior figures in the Government.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was “appalled at the shocking behaviour” of Ben-Gvir, adding that the Israeli government’s actions are in breach of international law and he intended to raise the issue at EU level.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said: “The actions of the Israeli government towards illegally detained members of the Sumud Flotilla, including Irish and EU citizens is disgusting and cannot be consequence free.
“This is a further clear breach of international law. Illegally detaining citizens in international waters and then degrading them. It is despicable.”
He added: “There must be a strong, unambiguous EU response and I reiterate the calls for the suspension of trade elements of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee said: “At my instruction, Ireland’s ambassador to Israel has demanded immediate assurances that the welfare and wellbeing of all Irish citizens is safeguarded, and that they are afforded all the protections that they are entitled to under international law.
“I have also demanded their immediate release.
“I can assure their families and loved ones that our citizens will be afforded all appropriate consular assistance and support as soon as we secure access to them.”
Earlier in the week, Connolly said she was “very proud” of her sister, but was worried about her.
“It’s quite upsetting, and I’m very worried about her, and I’m also very concerned about her colleagues on board.”
