Israeli forces have detained the sister of the President of Ireland and intercepted one of the remaining Gaza flotilla boats, stopping the vessel miles from Gaza. Dr Margaret Connolly, sister of President Catherine Connolly, was among at least six Irish citizens aboard the aid flotilla, which aimed to challenge Israel's naval blockade of Gaza.
Interception Details
According to the flotilla's website tracker, Israeli forces in a dinghy approached the boat named Andros. Images showed activists with their arms raised, and a livestream went dark with a message indicating interception. The Global Sumud Flotilla reported that Dr Connolly was aboard one of 10 boats in a 60-vessel flotilla that were boarded in international waters. The Israeli navy resumed actions a day after interdicting the flotilla off Cyprus.
President's Response
President Catherine Connolly expressed pride in her sister but also worry. Dr Connolly, in a video, stated: "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 emphasized the flotilla's humanitarian mission to deliver aid and medical supplies to Gaza, calling on the Irish government to enact the Occupied Territories Bill.
Dozens of vessels departed from Marmaris, Turkey, last week. On Monday, 41 boats were intercepted, with another 10 continuing before the Andros interception. A flotilla spokesperson stated: "This attack on the flotilla has no legal basis... We are now extremely concerned for the safety of all 15 Irish participants and hundreds of others."
