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Activist speaks out after detention
Catriona Graham, an Irish activist, described her detention by Israeli forces this week after she shouted "free, free, Palestine" as far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir walked past her in a holding facility. Graham was among hundreds of activists intercepted while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza by sea.
Confrontation with Ben-Gvir
In an interview with Irish broadcaster RTÉ, Graham recounted the moment Ben-Gvir taunted detained activists, including herself. A video posted by Ben-Gvir showed security personnel pushing her down after her outburst. Graham stated she had also encountered Ben-Gvir during a 2025 flotilla attempt, where he insulted activists, mirroring his treatment of Palestinian prisoners.
"When I saw him coming, knowing the horrific crimes that he has committed, I could not stay silent."
Catriona Graham, activist
Political fallout and condemnation
Ben-Gvir's actions drew widespread criticism, including from Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who called the behavior "appalling" and said it had "shocked the world." Speaking in Paris, Martin noted the incident had intensified calls within the EU for action against Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also distanced himself from Ben-Gvir's conduct, stating it did not align with Israel's values.
Detention and treatment
After her protest, Graham was dragged away and placed in isolation, surrounded by Israeli commandos. She described the experience as tense but less violent than what others had endured. Reports from the flotilla indicated at least 15 cases of sexual assault among detainees, along with a broader pattern of excessive force during the interception.
Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Thursday that all foreign activists from the flotilla had been deported, reiterating its stance that the naval blockade on Gaza remains lawful.
Flotilla mission and interception
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), comprising over 50 boats and 430 activists from more than 40 countries, set sail from Turkey last week carrying food, baby formula, and medical supplies. Israel dismissed the mission as a "PR stunt at the service of Hamas." Armed Israeli naval commandos intercepted the fleet in international waters, approximately 250 nautical miles from Gaza's coast, on Monday morning.
By Tuesday evening, all boats had been stopped, with one vessel managing to approach within 80 nautical miles of Gaza. Graham described the interception as marked by a "significant escalation of force and violence" compared to previous flotilla attempts.
Irish detainees return safely
Among the detained Irish citizens were Dr. Margaret Connolly, sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly, as well as activists Fra Hughes and Helena Kearns. Ireland's Foreign Minister Helen McEntee confirmed on Friday that all Irish detainees had safely arrived in Turkey and were receiving consular support.
"This barbaric, cruel regime must be disbanded."
Dr. Margaret Connolly, activist
Tom Deasy, another Irish activist, told RTÉ that the group was processing their ordeal and hoped to return to Ireland by Saturday.
Aid and conditions in Gaza
The flotilla aimed to deliver critical supplies to Gaza, where living conditions remain dire despite a ceasefire agreed last October. The UN reported last week that displaced families continue to shelter in overcrowded tents or damaged structures, with limited access to clean water and inadequate waste management systems.
Israel's foreign ministry countered that Gaza has received over 1.5 million tonnes of aid and thousands of tonnes of medical supplies in the past seven months. The war in Gaza began after a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Israel's subsequent military campaign has resulted in over 72,770 deaths, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.
