The Taoiseach has criticised the interception by the Israeli military of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza in international waters earlier this week.
Speaking in Athlone, Micheál Martin said the action was unacceptable, reports RTE.
“I want to condemn the seizure of the flotilla in what appears to be international waters, it’s not acceptable. I think the international community have to call it out and we will be raising it at European level. Israel has to abide by international law and the rule of law,”, reports RTE.
It is understood that seven Irish citizens, who were among 175 people detained, were released this morning.
Earlier, the daughter of Irishman Robert Murphy, who was aboard the flotilla, said her family is anxious for news from him, reports RTE.
Natalie Murphy said they have had no contact with him since Wednesday night.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, she said her father had been involved with the flotilla for a year and left Barcelona a month ago, reports RTE.
“We have been in contact every day. He has been able to WhatsApp us, send us messages, keep us updated on the progress,”, reports RTE.
Ms Murphy said communication was “all going fine until Wednesday night”, adding that the family has not heard from him since 10pm that evening.
She said her father had not previously been politically active before joining the flotilla, reports RTE.
“But I think just seeing the ongoing devastation and genocide against the Palestinian people really, really angered him. Particularly, the children. The poor defenceless children who can’t protect themselves just really ignited this fire in his belly,”, reports RTE.
Ms Murphy said her father had been searching for a way to help, describing his actions as “so admirable” and saying she was “so proud”.
“He is definitely on the right side of history, but you can’t help but feel anxious. Can’t help but worry what is going to happen … the unexpected can happen,”, reports RTE.
When asked if she had tried to dissuade him, she said: “He really wanted to do this but there is only so much you can say to somebody,”, reports RTE.
Ms Murphy said the family had seen reports online suggesting boats had been intercepted by drones and boarded by armed personnel.
She said they have been tracking the Global Sumud Flotilla online, reports RTE.
“His boat, the boat he was on, called the Magic Boat, it just went silent,”, reports RTE.
Ms Murphy said they remain in contact with organisers, who believe that a lack of communication for four hours suggests interception.
“We weren’t able to get through to him on the phone … we have just assumed at that point that he had been captured,” reports RTE.
She said being boarded in darkness “with a gun in your face must be so terrifying”, reports RTE.
“We still haven’t actually spoken to him, which we are so anxious to just hear from him at this point,” reports RTE.
Ms Murphy said she understands the vessel is being taken to Crete and that those detained are expected to be released this morning, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
She added that she was surprised there had been no public statement from the Government after “Irish citizens were captured unlawfully”, reports RTE.
“There has been absolute silence … it is really difficult … when you are in this situation with your dad, it is really upsetting to feel like your Government hasn’t backed you in that regard. We are angry about it,” reports RTE.
In a post on X, the Minister for Foreign Affairs also condemned the seizure of the flotilla vessels.
Helen McEntee said she was calling on “the Israeli authorities to immediately release all Irish citizens detained during this operation, to uphold their obligations under international law, and to guarantee the safety and welfare of all those on board,” reports RTE.
Yesterday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is providing consular assistance to the affected Irish citizens.
In a statement, the department said it is “actively monitoring the situation regarding the Global Sumud Flotilla and are engaging with the relevant authorities”, reports RTE.
The sister of President Catherine Connolly, Margaret Connolly, is on board one of the vessels involved in the flotilla.
It is understood that the ship she is travelling on has not been intercepted by Israeli forces and is continuing its journey towards Greece, reports RTE.
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