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Irish government calls for immediate release of detained activists
Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee has urged Israel to free Irish citizens detained during the interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from Dublin and international leaders after footage emerged of Israeli officials taunting activists.
Footage sparks outrage
Video posted by Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shows detained activists, including Irish citizen Catriona Graham, kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs. Graham is heard shouting "Free Palestine" in the clip, which the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) confirmed as authentic.
Ben-Gvir is seen waving an Israeli flag and mocking the detainees, prompting condemnation from Irish and European officials. Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the behavior as "shocking" and accused Israel of violating international law.
Netanyahu distances himself from Ben-Gvir's actions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Ben-Gvir's conduct, calling it "not in line with Israel's values." He instructed authorities to deport the detained activists "as soon as possible."
Sinn Féin MP Dáire Hughes labeled the footage "sickening," while former Irish minister Alan Shatter demanded Ben-Gvir's dismissal from Israel's cabinet. Israeli rights group Adalah announced plans to challenge the legality of the detentions.
International condemnation grows
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the treatment of protesters "intolerable" and a violation of human dignity. France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed "indignation," and Canada's Anita Anand termed the video "deeply troubling."
At least 12 Irish citizens, including Dr. Margaret Connolly-sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly-were among the 430 activists from over 40 countries detained at Ashdod port. The GSF, which carried symbolic aid, aimed to highlight Gaza's humanitarian crisis. Israel dismissed the flotilla as a "PR stunt at the service of Hamas."
Background: Flotilla's mission and interception
The flotilla, comprising more than 50 boats, departed from Turkey last Thursday. Organizers said its goal was to draw attention to Gaza's dire conditions amid ongoing conflict. Israeli forces intercepted the vessels on Monday, detaining participants and diverting them to Ashdod.
McEntee confirmed Ireland's ambassador to Israel has sought assurances about the welfare of Irish detainees and demanded their immediate release. The EU is expected to address the issue following Martin's pledge to raise it at the bloc's level.
