Dr Margaret Connolly, the sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly, is among at least six Irish citizens detained by Israel after their aid flotilla was intercepted in international waters, organisers have confirmed.
The Global Sumud Flotilla reported that Dr Connolly was aboard one of 10 boats in a 60-vessel convoy that was boarded by Israeli forces approximately 70 nautical miles off Cyprus shortly after 9am today.
Organisers stated that at least six of the 15 Irish participants on the flotilla have been detained, and contact has been lost with the intercepted vessels.
In a pre-recorded video, Dr Connolly appealed for support, saying: "If you are watching this video, it means I have been kidnapped from my boat in the flotilla by the Israeli occupying forces, and I'm now being held illegally in an Israeli prison."
She added: "I am so proud to be taking part in this flotilla – it is the largest to date. Thousands of people all over the world have volunteered their services to help. We sail for Gaza to open a humanitarian pathway to bring much needed aid and medical supply to the people of Gaza."
Dr Connolly, a mother and doctor, urged the Irish government to enact the Occupied Territories Bill, stating: "The cause of Palestine is the moral compass of our time, it is what makes us human. Their humanity is our humanity."
Karen Moynihan, Irish lead for the flotilla, described the detention as a "kidnapping", noting that 33 Irish citizens have been detained by Israel over the past seven months. She accused the Irish government of complicity in genocide and called for sanctions against Israel.
A flotilla spokesperson said: "This attack has no legal basis. All participants are acting within the law to deliver aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza, who have been failed by all states and international institutions."
Maureen Alma, a nurse in her late 60s, said: "Israel has destroyed the healthcare system in Gaza, slaughtered more than 2,000 healthcare workers and imprisoned or disappeared close to 400 doctors. The Irish Government along with Western governments remain complicit in this genocide."
Seven other Irish citizens were detained in similar circumstances last month. The Department of Foreign Affairs stated it is actively monitoring the situation and will provide consular assistance.
The Israel Foreign Ministry described the flotilla as a "provocation" serving Hamas, claiming no aid was on board and that Gaza is "flooded with aid". It stated: "Israel will not allow any breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza."
Amnesty International Ireland said the flotilla highlights the international community's failure to end Israel's "atrocity crimes against Palestinians, including genocide, apartheid, and unlawful occupation". Executive director Stephen Bowen called on the Irish government to act unilaterally.
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald described the actions as "yet another brazen violation of international law", calling for the immediate release of the activists. People Before Profit leader Richard Boyd Barrett urged protests outside the Dail as TDs debate sanctions on Israel.
