THE sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly has been detained by Israel alongside at least five other Irish nationals on an “aid flotilla” bound for Gaza.
The group was taken into custody by the Israeli military off the coast of Cyprus.
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Dr Margaret Connolly was one of six Irish detained, flotilla organisers have confirmed Credit: Global Sumud Flotilla
The Global Sumud Flotilla said that 10 boats were intercepted Credit: Global Sumud Flotilla
At least 28 boats were reportedly stopped in international waters on Monday, around 70 nautical miles off the Mediterranean island.
Dr Margaret Connolly was among at least six of 15 Irish participants among those detained, organisers said.
The Global Sumud Flotilla added it had lost contact with the intercepted boats.
The detainment was confirmed by the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
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Netanyahu monitored the operation from the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv as naval commandos boarded the vessels.
Videos from Dr Connolly and five others, which appear to have been recorded before they were detained, have been released by the flotilla.
In her video, Dr Connolly said she had been “utterly compelled – as a mother, a doctor, and as a human being – to help this flotilla”.
“I am so proud to be taking part,” she said.
She was one of at least six Irish activists detained on the flotilla Credit: Global Sumud Flotilla
Dr Connolly pictured in Italy before setting sail for Gaza Credit: Social Media Collect
Dr Connolly spoke in a video filmed prior to the boats being intercepted Credit: social media collect
“This is the largest one to date, and now we sail for Gaza to open a humanitarian pathway to bring much- needed aid andmedical suppliesy to the people of Gaza.”
According to organisers, there were 426 people from 39 countries participating in this flotilla, which involved more than 50 vessels.
Israel has described the vessels as a “provocation”.
The Israeli foreign ministry has also claimed there was no aid on board.
An hour before the interception, Israel told the vessels to “change course and turn back immediately”.
On Monday, his office said Netanyahu “was briefed by Navy commander Vice Admiral Eyal Harel, and watched our forces take control of the terrorism-supporting flotilla boats that had left Turkey and which intended to break the naval blockade on the Gaza coast.”
The Israeli Prime Minister praised the soldiers for “thwarting a malicious plan designed to break the isolation we are imposing on Hamas terrorists in Gaza”.
“You are doing this with great success, and I must say also quietly, and certainly with less prominence than our enemies expected — so, heartfelt congratulations,” he told naval commandos over the radio, the New York Post reported.
The latest aid flotilla has 426 participants from 39 countries Credit: Global Sumud Flotilla
The boats set sail from southern Turkey on Thursday, and were intercepted four days later Credit: Global Sumud Flotilla
“Keep going until the end.”
Netanyahu was originally scheduled to appear in court on Monday to testify in his ongoing corruption trial.
The boats set sail from southern Turkey on Thursday.
Earlier attempts to deliver aid to Gaza have also been intercepted by Israel in international waters.
Karen Moynihan, Irish lead for the Global Sumud Flotilla, said six Irish citizens had been “kidnapped” and another nine people were currently sailing and “imminently at risk”.
She called on the Irish government to respond.
Ireland has said officials were “actively monitoring the situation regarding the Global Sumud Flotilla” and engaging with the relevant authorities.
“Impacted Irish citizens” would also be receiving consular assistance.
Dr Connolly is the sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly Credit: PA
Dr Connolly’s husband said her family were ‘immensely proud’ Credit: Social Media Collect
This attempt to reach Gaza was organized by the same Turkish group that was behind the 2010 MV Mavi Marmara flotilla.
It is believed to be composed of more than 50 vessels, carrying 500 activists from 45 nations.
Dr Connolly’s husband Declan Bree revealed his family’s concern over the situation.
“It is worrying for me and for my children,” he said.
“And indeed I also think of all the other families who have loved ones (on the flotilla), not only families from Ireland but from throughout Europe and throughout the world.
“My children and I are immensely proud of Margaret and indeed of all her colleagues as she has shown great courage and determination.
“With her family background, what else could we expect. She is an exceptional human being, she wears her heart on her sleeve,” he added.
The latest attempt to breach the Israeli blockade on Gaza comes after Greta Thunberg’s flotilla failure last year.
In October, Thunberg and several other activists were also detained in international waters by the Israeli military.
The humanitarian convoy said it was attempting to get essential aid, including baby formula and medication, to war-ravaged Gaza.
The group of vessels included more than 40 civilian boats carrying an estimated 500 parliamentarians, lawyers and activists, including Thunberg.
