Israeli authorities have apprehended the sibling of the President of Ireland and have also halted one of the remaining Gaza flotilla ships as it neared Gaza. The vessel, named the Andros, was intercepted by Israeli forces in a dinghy, as per the flotilla’s website tracker. Images showed activists surrendering with their hands up before the livestream went offline with a message confirming the interception.
Dr. Margaret Connolly, the sister of Catherine Connolly, was on board one of the 10 boats intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, according to The Global Sumud Flotilla. This action by the Israeli navy followed a previous interception near Cyprus.
The interception is part of ongoing efforts by a civil society-led initiative to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and highlight the challenging living conditions faced by Palestinians in the region.
The President of Ireland expressed pride in her sister’s participation in the aid convoy to Gaza but also voiced concerns for her safety. Dr. Connolly, in a video message, revealed that she had been taken by Israeli forces and was being held in an Israeli prison. She emphasized the humanitarian mission of the flotilla and urged support for her detained colleagues.
Numerous vessels departed from Marmaris, Turkey, on the final leg of the journey to Gaza. While 41 boats were intercepted earlier, 10 others continued to sail before the Andros was stopped, according to the Global Sumud Flotilla.
A spokesperson for the flotilla condemned the interception, stating that the participants, including those from Ireland, were acting within the law to deliver aid to Gaza. Concerns were raised for the safety of all participants, including the 15 Irish individuals, following the incident.
