“I can confirm that the Irish citizens detained in Israel have been released and are currently on their journey home” was the opening statement from a press release from the office of Tánaiste Simon Harris this afternoon (October 6th) at 12:49pm.
“This welcome outcome was secured after a weekend of intensive efforts by officials from across my Department, including the Embassy team in Tel Aviv, working in conjunction with international partners,” Minister Harris said.
The announcement comes after 16 total Irish civilians were captured by the Israeli armed forces while participating in the GSF close to the Egyptian coastline, they were detained in Israel for several days and allegedly faced “aggressive treatment and violence”, according to statements provided to the Irish Times.
In a statement from Global Movement to Gaza Éire, the flotilla participants are apparently on their way to Greece, “Participants will then travel homeward on three separate flights from Athens to Dublin today and tomorrow”, the statement added.
“Trinity BDS welcomes the release of these victims of illegal kidnapping”, said Harry Johnston, Chair of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Committee at Trinity (TCD BDS). “Zionism and its material existence as the state of Israel are predicated on violence and the cruel control over the necessities of life. Our government chose not to provide diplomatic assistance or support the flotilla through a humanitarian mission via the Defence Forces. They could have helped directly and failed to do so. The siege must end, the occupation must end and a state which assigns rights based on heritage must end. Free Palestine.”
All flights that are returning the Irish citizens will be expected tonight and carry over into early Wednesday morning.
