Activist Speaks Out After Incident with Israeli Minister
The Irish activist who shouted "free, free, Palestine" as Israeli politician Itamar Ben-Gvir passed by her in a detention facility stated that she could not remain silent in that moment.
Catriona Graham was among hundreds of activists detained by Israeli authorities this week while attempting to deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza via boat.
Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir later shared a video showing himself taunting the activists as they knelt with their hands tied behind their backs.
At the beginning of the video, which has drawn widespread condemnation, Ben-Gvir is seen encouraging security personnel as they push down Graham following her exclamation.
"I was part of the 2025 flotilla as well," Graham told Irish broadcaster RTÉ.
"That time as well, he passed through and tried to insult many of us, just as he does to so many Palestinian prisoners in much more vicious ways.
"So when I saw him coming, when I saw him passing by, knowing the horrific crimes that he has committed, I could not stay silent."
In a statement on his X account, the Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin expressed that he was "appalled at the shocking behaviour" of Ben-Gvir.
Ben-Gvir's actions also received rare criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated they were "not in line with Israel's values".
After shouting her remarks, Graham was dragged away and placed in isolation, where approximately eight Israeli commandos stood around her speaking in Hebrew.
"So I was preparing myself for anything that could happen next," she said.
"It was not too violent, thankfully, especially compared to what many others have experienced. But yeah, it was definitely a very real danger at every moment."
Global Sumud Flotilla and Israeli Interception
More than 50 boats participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) departed from Turkey last Thursday carrying a symbolic amount of aid.
On board were 430 people from over 40 countries.
Israel dismissed the flotilla as a "PR stunt at the service of Hamas."
On Monday morning, armed Israeli naval commandos began intercepting the fleet in international waters west of Cyprus, approximately 250 nautical miles (460 km) from the coast of Gaza, which remains under an Israeli maritime blockade.
The GSF organisers reported that all boats had been intercepted by Tuesday evening, with one vessel reaching within 80 nautical miles of the Palestinian territory.
"They were intercepting our boats with a real significant escalation of force and violence compared to other flotilla missions," Graham said.
"It seems like most people endured some kind of vicious violence. We've had reports of at least 15 sexual assaults."
Irish Citizens Detained and Deported
Among the 15 Irish citizens detained were Dr Margaret Connolly, sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly, as well as Belfast resident Fra Hughes and Lurgan native Helena Kearns.
On Thursday, a spokesman for Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: "All foreign activists from the PR flotilla have been deported from Israel.
Israel will not permit any breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza."
On Friday morning, Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Helen McEntee, confirmed that the Irish citizens were safely in Turkey.
"Pleased to report that our flotilla citizens are safe in Istanbul and are recovering," she said.
"I assure their loved ones that officials from our embassy will continue to provide appropriate consular assistance and support."
Aid and Conditions in Gaza
The Global Sumud Flotilla stated that the activists on board were carrying food, baby formula, and medical aid for Palestinians in Gaza, where living conditions are dire and most of the 2.1 million population is displaced despite the ceasefire agreed by Israel and Hamas last October.
The Israeli foreign ministry described Gaza as "flooded with aid," noting that more than 1.5 million tonnes of aid and thousands of tonnes of medical supplies have entered the territory over the past seven months.
The United Nations reported last week that many displaced families in Gaza are still forced to shelter in overcrowded tents or severely damaged structures due to the lack of safer alternatives.
Access to basic services remains limited, with inconsistent availability of clean water and impaired waste management systems unable to adequately address public health concerns, including those related to pests and rodents, the UN added.
Background of the Gaza Conflict
The Gaza war was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken.
Israel responded with a military campaign in Gaza, during which more than 72,770 people have been killed, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.
