Irish President's Sister Joins Flotilla as Israel Detains Seven Irish Citizens

Key facts

• 175 activists were on the flotilla; all but two have been released.
• Seven Irish citizens were detained and later released in Crete.
• Dr Margaret Connolly, sister of President Catherine Connolly, is among 22 Irish participants.
• The flotilla set sail from Barcelona on April 12.
• Israeli forces rammed and boarded vessels off Crete on Wednesday night.
• Two men, Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila, remain held by Israel.
• Taoiseach Micheál Martin condemned the seizure and plans to raise it at EU level.

Flotilla Intercepted in International Waters

Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters off the Greek island of Crete on Wednesday night, ramming and boarding the vessels. The flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, had departed Barcelona on April 12 with 175 activists aboard. All but two of those detained have been released, including all seven Irish citizens. The remaining participants are located near Crete. Organisers said two men, Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila, were taken hostage by the Israelis after the others were freed.

Irish Citizens Detained and Released

The seven Irish citizens detained were Catriona Graham, Fiacc O’Brolchain, Robert Murphy, Colm Byrne, Martin Guilfoyle, Michael Fix, and John Connellan. They were handed over to Greek authorities, head of the Global Sumud’s Irish delegation. Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed they were safe and well, and welcomed their release. He condemned the seizure, stating, 'Israel has to abide by international law and the rule of law.'

President's Sister Speaks Out

Dr Margaret Connolly, a Sligo GP and sister of President Catherine Connolly, is among the 22 Irish participants. She said she joined the flotilla because of 'the catastrophic destruction of Gaza since October 2023,' describing the enclave as '2.3 million people being held in an open concentration camp.' Dr Connolly emphasised she is acting in her own right, not as the President's sister. 'I am totally here in my own right, the President knows that,' she said on RTÉ's Six One News. 'I am here as Dr Margaret Connolly, a mother, a human being, and a GP.'

Taoiseach Condemns Israel's Actions

Micheál Martin called the interception 'a very confrontational act' and said Israel must abide by international law. He resisted labelling it piracy but said it was 'absolutely very serious.' Martin announced he would raise the matter at the European Union level, noting that Ireland has already raised the status of the EU-Israel Trade Association Agreement. He cited Israel's 'disproportionate attacks' in Gaza and Lebanon as breaches of international humanitarian law.

Wider Context and International Reaction

The flotilla aimed to break Israel's blockade of Gaza, which has been in place since 2007. Dr Connolly drew parallels to Ireland's history of colonisation, saying, 'We have had 800 years of colonisation by England, why wouldn't we come on the flotilla?' Martin noted a 'noticeable change' in perspectives among traditionally strong supporters of Israel, who are 'becoming increasingly annoyed and frustrated.' He acknowledged that achieving unanimity at EU Council level has been difficult due to the historical positioning of some member states, an apparent reference to Germany.

What Comes Next

The flotilla continues, with remaining participants near Crete. The Irish government is expected to press for accountability at the EU level. Dr Connolly said she hopes her participation will 'make people wake up and feel the pain that I feel for what the Israeli regime is enacting in Gaza.' The two men still held by Israel, Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila, remain a point of concern for organisers. The incident adds to tensions between Ireland and Israel, with Dublin taking a consistently critical stance on Israeli policies in Gaza and Lebanon.

The bottom line

• Israel intercepted a humanitarian flotilla in international waters, detaining 175 activists; all but two have been released.
• Seven Irish citizens were among those detained and later freed in Crete.
• Dr Margaret Connolly, sister of the Irish President, participated in her own right and condemned the situation in Gaza.
• Taoiseach Micheál Martin condemned the seizure and plans to raise it at the EU level, citing breaches of international law.
• Two activists remain in Israeli custody; the flotilla continues near Crete.
• The incident reflects growing international frustration with Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon.