The Taoiseach has stated that if Israel intercepted an aid flotilla in international waters while it was en route to Gaza, it would be considered a violation of international maritime law, reports Breaking News.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which initially included 43 boats and 500 activists, is on a mission to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
The group of vessels was navigating international waters north of Egypt and had entered an area described by activists and observers as a “danger zone”, reports Breaking News.
Although this area lies outside any national territory, it is known as a region where Israel has previously stopped boats attempting to breach its blockade of Gaza, and flotilla participants had received warnings not to enter it.
Several Irish nationals were aboard vessels that were intercepted by the Israeli navy on Wednesday night as they sailed toward Gaza, reports Breaking News.
According to organisers, not every boat was intercepted in the initial operation, and at least one vessel continued on its course toward the coastal strip.
Among those detained was Sinn Féin senator Chris Andrews, who was aboard the vessel Spectre, which was intercepted by Israeli forces off Egypt’s coast, reports Breaking News.
Activists shared footage on social media showing Israeli navy ships approaching the flotilla and ordering them to cut their engines.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was being kept informed about the unfolding situation and emphasised that the individuals on the flotilla did not pose any danger.
Speaking to reporters in Copenhagen, he stressed the importance of ensuring all those aboard are treated appropriately, reports Breaking News.
“It’s a humanitarian mission, no threat to anybody other than to highlight and also to bring humanitarian aid into the people of Gaza.
“And it underlines the absolute imperative of getting humanitarian aid into Gaza as quickly as possible under the auspices of the United Nations and the Red Crescent, as outlined in the peace proposals that emanated from the United States in consultation with the Arab states,” reports Breaking News.
When asked whether the interception violated international maritime law, Mr Martin responded: “If it happened in international waters, yes.”
He added that the Department of Foreign Affairs had consistently warned people against travelling to the region “because of the obvious dangers”, reports Breaking News.
He continued: “I think the the paramount consideration has to be the safety of all those on the flotilla,” reports Breaking News.
Tánaiste Simon Harris held a meeting with senior officials on Thursday morning to address the “evolving situation with Global Sumud Flotilla overnight”.
He also planned to speak with Ireland’s ambassador to Israel about the developments on Thursday, reports Breaking News.
The Department of Foreign Affairs stated that its top priority remains the wellbeing of all those on board, including the Irish citizens involved.
It added that the most recent update indicates passengers are to be taken to an Israeli port for processing, with Ireland’s embassy working with local authorities to offer consular support, reports Breaking News.
“This is a peaceful mission to shine a light on a horrific humanitarian catastrophe. Ireland expects international law to be upheld and all those on board the flotilla to be treated in strict accordance with it,” Mr Harris said.
He also renewed his wider appeal for movement on peace efforts to end the violence in Gaza, halt the famine, and secure the release of hostages, reports Breaking News.
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