Irish flotilla detainees released
Irish Ambassador to Israel and Cavan woman Sonya McGuinness played a central role in securing the release of more than a dozen Irish citizens detained by Israeli authorities following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla last week.
The flotilla, carrying over 450 activists, journalists, and humanitarian workers - including Irish Senator Chris Andrew - was en route to Gaza in a symbolic challenge to Israel’s long-standing maritime blockade of the enclave.
Following their arrest, detainees were initially held at Ashdod Port before being transferred to Ktzi’ot Prison, a high-security facility near the Egyptian border.
Amid mounting allegations of mistreatment - including reports of beatings, sleep deprivation, and denial of medical needs - Maghera native Ms McGuinness intervened, visiting Ktzi’ot last Friday, to ensure their legal rights were upheld and medical concerns addressed.
Her visit marked a pivotal moment in a weekend of intensive engagement led by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Tainaiste Simon Harris subsequently acknowledged these efforts, highlighting the co-ordination between the Dublin-based team and Embassy staff in Tel Aviv, as well as collaboration with international partners.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Monday that the detainees would be transferred to Greece from where they would then travel back to Ireland.
“This welcome outcome was secured after a weekend of intensive efforts,” Harris stated, adding that the Department remains in contact with families and continues to monitor Irish participation in other flotillas.
Allegations of abuse against flotilla detainees - including prominent international figures - has meanwhile drawn widespread condemnation.
The alleged abuses included sleep and medication deprivation, beatings, having automatic rifles pointed at their heads, dogs set upon them, having to sleep on the floor, being subjected to insults and being made to watch footage of the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Israel’s foreign ministry has, however, denied all claims as “brazen lies”, posting on X on Sunday evening: “All the detainees’ legal rights are fully upheld.”
The national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, added that he was “proud” of the way staff behaved at Ktzi’ot.
He said in a statement that the flotilla activists “should get a good feel for the conditions in Ktzi’ot prison and think twice before they approach Israel again”.