Dr Margaret Connolly, sister of Irish President Michael D. Higgins, has been detained by Israeli forces while participating in an aid flotilla to Gaza, according to the Global Sumud Flotilla Ireland group.
In a pre-recorded video posted on Instagram, Dr Connolly stated: 'If you are watching this video, it means I have been kidnapped from my boat in the flotilla by the Israeli occupying forces.' She urged support for the release of her fellow activists and called on the Irish government to back the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
The flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces. Several Irish activists are among those detained. The Irish government has not yet commented on the incident.
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