At 12:30pm today, Thursday the 2nd of October, a protest demonstration against the detention of at least 14 Irish citizens taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) sprung up outside the Irish parliament, Dáil Éireann: Among the detained is Senator Chris Andrews of Sinn Féin.
This protest was called hours after the flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces at 7pm Irish time last night (October 1st). This emergency protest is reported to have been organised by The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, with several other associated groups in attendance, including The Trinity College Dublin Students Union (TCDSU/AMLCT) and Trinity’s branch of Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS).
“The protest today was a collective effort”, said Harry Johnston, chair of TCD BDS “which signals unity in Irish society against a state [Israel] which kidnaps our citizens while occupying and murdering others.”
At 8:28pm, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris stated on X. “I am keeping in close contact with my officials who are working on the ground and have also spoken with EU counterparts on the Global Sumud Flotilla. Tonight’s reports are very concerning. This is a peaceful mission to shine a light on a horrific humanitarian catastrophe.”
Among the other people and organisations attending the emergency protest were representatives of Fórsa (Irish trade union for public servants) and Amnesty International. Over the course of an hour the crowd swelled to hundreds of members. This in turn caused Gardaí to block off Kildare street, where the entrance to Leinster house is located.
As of this afternoon (October 2nd), a protest located near Dublin port has completely blocked any southbound traffic on the M50. With other protests being held around the country.
According to RTÉ, “Mr Harris stated that there [sic] [Irish citizens part of the GSF] are being wrongfully detained and should be released.”.
The Tánaiste’s comments have not been without opposition, as multiple members of the opposition such as Sinn Féin TD, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire. Deputy Ó Laoghaire has stated that . “You [Simon Harris] and your Government have a responsibility to act, both for our citizens on the flotilla and for the people of Palestine.”.
Additionally, leader of Sinn Féin, Mary Lou McDonald has called upon Tánaiste Harris to have “absolute vigilance” in regards to the assistance rendered by the Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv. To the Irish citizens detained by Israel. Tánaiste Harris has stated that the embassy in Tel Aviv is speaking with Israeli authorities.
The University Times spoke to several protestors. Many shared very similar opinions in regards to key topics such as Senator Andrew’s presence on the GSF. with one member of the protest stating, “I think Senator Chris Andrews is an absolute hero, and as a member of our parliament he has more of a moral obligation and takes it very seriously as a senator”.
In another statement released by Sinn Féin, the party of Senator Andrews, it is claimed that “the Global Sumud Flotilla was tonight illegally intercepted and seized by armed Israeli forces in international waters off the coast of Egypt”, continuing “The flotilla, including Senator Andrews’ boat, the Spectre, was violently assaulted by Israeli military forces, with participants kidnapped by armed Israeli agents.”
Additionally, many members of the protest call out the inaction of the government. As one protestor put it ‘‘I’d love to see our government act rather than just use words”. Others stated how “[the Occupied Territories Bill] has been there for 8 years and they’ve done absolutely nothing”. They continued to comment how “they [the government] are a disgrace, and do not represent we the people”.
Many others also condemned the actions of the Israeli government stating how they are “monstrous”. With one person stating “I’m just horrified by what I’m seeing in the news everyday” adding, “I hope that Israel will do what’s right, but who knows”. Speaking to David Hickey, former Dublin Footballer and all Ireland winner, at the protest. Hickey commented how the members of the GSF, “They’re heroes, they’re people who are actually putting their bodies on the line for somebody else”: Concluding that “This is a fight for the world not just Gaza”.
