Taoiseach Micheál Martin has strongly condemned the Israeli authorities over the way they have treated the activists on board an aid flotilla to Gaza.
The activists on board the flotilla, including 12 Irish citizens on board were detained in Israel, with footage showing the country's National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir walking among the detainees and saying they would remain in prison for a long time.
Dr Margaret Connolly, sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly is among the citizens on board the flotilla, with the footage showing people kneeling on the ground in tightly packed groups with their hands tied behind their backs, as Mr Ben-Gvir is seen heckling and waving an Israeli flag amongs those detained.
Hundred of more participants from other countries were also detained by the Israeli authorities.
Speaking about this footage, Mr Martin has said that this can no longer be seen as "business as usual" with Israel, given what he called blatant disregard for European citizens by Israel.
The Taoiseach said that way in which the activists have been heckled and insulted as well as the manner of their detainment with hands tied behind their backs is truly shocking. He went on to add that he has shared this view expressed by many other European countries at these shocking events and he intends to raise this matter further with his EU counterparts.
Mr Martin also described this footage which includes one Irish female activist having her hands tied behind her back against her will, and being pushed to the ground after chanting "free free Palestine", as disgusting and disgraceful, and an indictment of the Israeli Government.
He said this behaviour goes against international norms, with the right to protest a sacred right in democracy and to have people "essentially abducted by the Israeli government on the high seas", before they were transferred to detention locations was deeply concerning.
Appalled at the shocking behaviour of Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir towards illegally detained members of the Sumud Flotilla.
The Israeli government’s actions are in breach of international law and I intend to raise this issue at EU level.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) May 20, 2026
Now, Irish activist, Caoimhe Butterly, who is supporting the Global Sumud Flotilla, has said that all detained activists, including Dr Connolly are expected to be release to Istanbul before travelling to Ireland within hours.
