On 18 May 2026, Israeli naval forces abducted hundreds of humanitarian workers aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla in the international waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Among the hundreds of detainees, at least 12 on board the flotilla were Irish citizens, including Dr Margaret Connolly, sister of President Catherine Connolly.
On May 19th, Minister of Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee stated, “Israel must uphold its obligations under international law, including ensuring the safety, welfare and humane treatment of the Irish citizens illegally detained in international waters. In that context, I again call for their immediate release.”
The next day, in a video was posted by the Israeli government. The footage shows detainees kneeling on the ground in tightly packed groups with their hands tied behind their backs.
The footage also shows Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, heckling and waving an Israeli flag amongst the detained activists. The footage also shows a detainee being dragged to the ground by an Israeli officer for saying “Free Free Palestine”.
On May 20th, Minister McEntee stated: “I am appalled and shocked by the video footage circulated by Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir,”
McEntee continued: At my instruction, Ireland’s Ambassador to Israel has demanded immediate assurances that the welfare and wellbeing of all Irish citizens is safeguarded and that they are afforded all the protections that they are entitled to under international law.”
Lastly, Minister McEntee stated: “I can assure their families and loved ones that our citizens will be afforded all appropriate consular assistance and support as soon as we secure access to them.”
Then, when giving an update on May 21st, Minister McEntee stated: “At present, our citizens are being held at Ktziot detention centre, having been transferred there overnight from the port of Ashdod.”
Minister McEntee further stated: “While consular access has not yet been granted, officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv remain on the ground and stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance and support as soon as access is permitted.”
Lastly, Minister McEntee stated: “We expect that, later today, our citizens will be deported to Türkiye, where they will be met by representatives from our Embassy in Türkiye to ensure continuity of support and assistance upon arrival.”
The flotilla, having set sail from southern Turkey, was making a renewed attempt to deliver aid to war-shattered Gaza after earlier missions were also intercepted by Israel.
Organisers say they aim to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian assistance, even as Israel states its naval blockade of Gaza is lawful.
