Irish Foreign Minister Demands Release of Detainees
Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee has called for the "immediate release" of Irish nationals detained after Israel intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. The flotilla, organized by the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), aimed to deliver aid and highlight the conditions in Gaza.
The call follows the circulation of a video posted by Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, which shows him taunting activists who are kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs. The video begins with Irish citizen Catriona Graham shouting "free Palestine," as confirmed by the GSF.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued rare criticism of Ben-Gvir's conduct regarding the detained activists. Netanyahu stated that Ben-Gvir's actions were "not in line with Israel's values" and announced,
"I have instructed the relevant authorities to deport the provocateurs as soon as possible."
Minister McEntee emphasized Ireland's position, saying,
"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. I have also demanded their immediate release."
The footage depicts detainees kneeling with their hands bound behind their backs, while Ben-Gvir waves an Israeli flag and taunts them.
Irish Government and Political Figures Respond
In a statement on his X account, Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed his strong disapproval of Ben-Gvir's behaviour, describing it as "shocking." He further asserted that the Israeli government's actions constitute a breach of international law and indicated his intention to raise the matter at the European Union level.
Former Fine Gael minister Alan Shatter, who serves on the board of the Israel Council on Foreign Relations, publicly called for Ben-Gvir's removal from Israel's cabinet, stating he should "be unceremoniously dismissed from Israel's cabinet and ministerial office."
Detention and Legal Challenges
On Wednesday morning, the Israeli human rights organization Adalah reported that the activists were being transported into Israeli territory against their will and detained at Ashdod port. Adalah's legal team plans to challenge the legality of the detentions and demand the immediate release of all flotilla participants.
International Reactions
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the treatment of protesters, many of whom are Italian citizens, calling it "intolerable" and a violation of human dignity.
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed his country's "indignation" over Ben-Gvir's actions and requested an explanation.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand described the video as "deeply troubling."
Details on the Flotilla and Participants
Among the detained Irish citizens is Dr. Margaret Connolly, sister of President Catherine Connolly. At least 12 Irish nationals were part of the flotilla detained by Israel on Monday.
A rights group representing the 430 participants from over 40 countries who took part in the Global Sumud Flotilla has demanded their release.
The flotilla carried a symbolic amount of aid and set out to draw attention to the difficult conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza, which is affected by ongoing conflict. Israeli authorities dismissed the flotilla as a "PR stunt at the service of Hamas."
More than 50 boats participating in the flotilla departed from Turkey last Thursday.
