Irish citizens on intercepted Gaza flotilla boats

BBC:

It is understood at least eight Irish citizens have been detained after the Israeli navy intercepted a number of boats carrying aid to Gaza.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said several vessels that form part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) had been “safely stopped” and that those aboard were being transferred to an Israeli port.

It added that the navy had told the vessels to change course as they were “approaching an active combat zone”.

Irish coordinators of the GSF said there are 22 Irish citizens taking part in the flotilla, RTÉ has reported.

The eight Irish citizens detained are senator Chris Andrews, Tadgh Hickey, Tara O’Grady, Louise Heaney, Sarah Clancy, Diarmuid Mac Dubhghlais, Thomas McCune and Catríona Graham, according to the Irish broadcaster.

Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg is also among the detained activists.

Ireland’s department of foreign affairs said in the statement that the “overriding concern” is for the welfare of those on board “including Irish citizens”.

It continued: “Our latest understanding is that passengers will be transferred to an Israeli port for processing and that Ireland’s embassy on the ground will liaise with local authorities and provide consular assistance.”

Simon Harris, who is Ireland’s minister for foreign affairs and Tánaiste (deputy prime minister), is due to speak with Ireland’s ambassador to Israel and with the GSF on Thursday.