Gaza flotilla detainees released

Irish citizens detained in Israel are "currently on their journey home"

All of the Irish citizens detained after the Global Sumud Flotilla was intercepted by Israeli military last week have now been released.

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the detainees will be transferred to Greece from where they will then travel back to Ireland.

Irish Ambassador to Israel and Maghera native Sonya McGuinness met with 16 Irish citizens who were among more than 450 on a flotilla travelling to Gaza.

Those detained were initially held at Ashdod port before being transferred to Ktzi’ot Prison near the Egyptian border.

Senator Chris Andrews was among those on board the Global Sumud Flotilla intercepted while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza and challenging Israel’s naval blockade.

Ms McGuinness visited the detainees at Ktzi’ot Prison last Friday.

Tainaiste Simon Harris issued a statement confirming the Irish citizens detained in Israel have been released and are "currently on their journey home".

He said: "This welcome outcome was secured after a weekend of intensive efforts by officials from across my Department, including the Embassy team in Tel Aviv, working in conjunction with international partners.

"I know that this has been a difficult time for both the Irish citizens and their families, and I pay tribute to their strength throughout. Dublin-based officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade remain in close contact with family members who have requested our support, and will continue to update them."

The Tainaiste said he is also aware of a number of Irish citizens participating in other Flotillas en route to Gaza and has instructed the Department to "closely monitor that evolving situation".

"While my Department continues to advise against travel to the Gaza Strip, in this case our clear priority is to ensure the welfare of our citizens.

"As we welcome our citizens home, Ireland will continue to call for all efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas, and unhindered humanitarian access to the people of Gaza at scale."

The UN and other agencies have attributed a worsening famine to Israeli policies, and an independent UN commission recently accused Israel of committing genocide.