Ireland says Israel’s seizure of flotilla vessels ‘very concerning’
Ireland’s Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris has said Dublin is closely monitoring the situation following Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
In a post on X, Harris called the reports “very concerning”, describing the flotilla as “a peaceful mission to shine a light on a horrific humanitarian catastrophe”. The minister said he was in close contact with officials on the ground and had spoken with EU counterparts.
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs said it is in direct contact with its representative and stressed that “the safety of citizens remains our priority”.
“Our focus now is on assisting citizens immediately impacted and their families. This will be the priority for our team over the coming hours,” the ministry said, adding that Ireland’s embassy in Tel Aviv is in contact with relevant authorities alongside other EU member states.
We will not sign any papers presented by the Israeli authorities: GSF
A spokesperson for the Global Sumud Flotilla has spoken to Al Jazeera Arabic.
Here are the translated comments:
- Participants in the flotilla will not sign any papers presented by the Israeli authorities.
- Israeli authorities detained activists from the flotilla in international waters.
- We do not believe the occupation’s lies that it will deliver the aid we are transporting to the Gaza Strip.
- Our attempts to reach Gaza will continue until the Israeli blockade on the Strip is lifted.
Flotilla group says Israeli military ‘rammed’ aid ship
The organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla say the Israeli navy has used “active aggression” against vessels sailing towards Gaza, including ramming one of the boats.
In a statement on X, the group said the Florida vessel had been “deliberately rammed at sea”, while other ships, including the Yulara and Meteque, were targeted with water cannon.
The flotilla described the incident as “illegal attacks” carried out in international waters.
The convoy, carrying international activists and humanitarian aid, set sail to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which the International Court of Justice has ruled unlawful.
