Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee has confirmed 15 Irish activists are currently being detained by Israel. All of them had been taking part in the Global Sumad Flotilla to bring aid to Gaza when they were intercepted by the Israeli navy. Earlier today, distressing footage of an Irish woman and her treatment at the hands of masked Israeli soldiers caused worldwide outrage after it was posted on social media. The video was shared by Israel’s Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Givr on X and has
been widely condemned. Minister McEntee said she has spoken to Ireland’s Ambassador to Israel, Sonya McGuiness, and diplomats are desperately trying to speak directly to the Irish citizens who have been detained. She confirmed that, of the more than 420 activists detained, 15 are Irish citizens. McEntee said: “This is utterly appalling footage that we have seen. The very fact that we have a Government Minister from the Israeli Government taunting and goading innocent citizens and civilians who have been illegally detained. It’s completely unacceptable,
and I welcome the fact that other countries like Ireland have condemned these actions.” McEntee also said she hopes the publication of the video will act as a “turning point” in how Europe deals with Israel . Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
15 Irish citizens detained, Helen McEntee, Israel, Global Sumad Flotilla, aid to Gaza, Israeli navy, Itamar Ben-Givr, Sonya McGuiness, masked soldiers, video on X