At least six Irish citizens aboard the latest Global Sumud Flotilla have been abducted by the Israeli military in international waters off Cyprus. Margaret Connolly, the sister of President Catherine Connolly, is among those held illegally by the Israeli military.
The flotilla of over 400 people from 39 countries aims to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett pointed out that the blockade of Gaza by the Israeli regime is illegal under international law, and has called on the government to condemn Israel for their 18-year-long siege of Gaza, the illegal abduction of those trying to break this siege, and to sanction Israel for its continuing illegal actions and violence.
Richard Boyd Barrett said:
“This latest attack by the Israeli regime was carried out in international waters and is yet another flagrant breach of international law.
“The occupation of Gaza is illegal. The siege of Gaza is illegal. It needs to be stated and restated - a state that carries out these actions has no place in a civilised world."
“Israel continues to act this way because it knows Western governments, including the Irish government, will take no meaningful action against it. This complicity must end.
“The Global Sumud Flotilla is a non-violent humanitarian aid mission of hundreds of volunteers from all over the world. The flotilla aims to establish a corridor through Israel’s illegal siege of Gaza to bring food and medical supplies to the people of Gaza. It is trying to do what the governments of the world should be doing. But instead the governments continue to be complicit in Israel’s genocide.
“I am calling on the Irish Government to immediately condemn Israel for these abductions, and to demand the release of and safe passage for the people who are legally entitled to sail in those waters.
“I urge people to join the protest at the Dáil at 5.30pm on Wednesday this week to demand that the Government reverse its shameful decision to vote against the Sanctions Against the State of Israel Bill in the Dáil on Wednesday evening.
“Israel’s impunity and the Irish government’s complicity must end now.”