Irish authorities condemn Israel over detention of president’s sister

Irish authorities have condemned the detention of Irish citizens, including the sister of Ireland’s president, following an Israeli interception of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza.

Dr Margaret Connolly, sister of President Catherine Connolly, is among at least six Irish nationals detained after what organisers say was an operation targeting a humanitarian convoy in international waters, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The Irish government said it is seeking urgent clarity on the situation and has criticised the detentions.

Micheál Martin noted that it was “wrong” and “unacceptable” that Irish citizens had been detained, including a close relative of the president.

Organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla made it clear that 10 vessels out of a 60-boat convoy were intercepted shortly after 9 am on Monday and boarded by Israeli forces while in international waters.

According to the group, it subsequently lost contact with the affected vessels.

The flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, said several Irish citizens were on board the intercepted boats.

President Catherine Connolly stated that the incident was “quite upsetting”, adding that while she was proud of her sister, she was also “very worried”.

Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris also expressed concern, saying his thoughts were with the families of those detained.

Simon Harris stressed that the government was considering further action, including engagement at the European Union level and potential legislative measures.

He said: “What Israel has done is, in my view, illegal. It is, in my view, in breach of international law.”

Harris also questioned the effectiveness of diplomatic condemnation alone, suggesting that stronger measures may be required given what he described as repeated international criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza that has gone unheeded.

Micheál Martin also reiterated that Ireland considers the detention of citizens in international waters unacceptable and a breach of international law.

In his view, the government would raise the matter at the EU level in the context of wider discussions on Gaza and the West Bank, including possible sanctions-related measures.

The Israeli authorities have not yet issued a detailed public response to the flotilla organisers’ allegations.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov