Opinion
18 May 26

Israeli forces intercept Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla

CCTV footage from the Gaza Sunbird flotilla boat as its crew is detained by Israeli forces. Photo: Freedom Flotilla Coalition on YouTube.

Sophie Gliott

This is the second time the 2026 Global Sumud Flotilla has been intercepted, with the previous incident occurring in late April when the Israeli military intercepted around 175 pro-Palestinian activists off the coast of Crete.

Israeli naval forces have begun intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla. The interception began this morning in international waters, 100 kilometres from Gaza, off the coast of Cyprus. As of now, 30 vessels have been intercepted out of a fleet of 52 boats sailing.

The new Global Sumud Flotilla is the largest civilian maritime mission for Palestine in history, almost double the size of the previous one. A hundred boats with around 1,000 people on board are involved in the new mission, meant to deliver humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Irish citizens kidnapped aboard the flotilla include Catriona Graham, Tom Deasy, Cormac O’Daly, Joshua St Leger, Louise Mc Cormack, and Margaret Connolly, the sister of Irish president Catherine Connolly. Israeli forces are expected to transfer the arrested activists to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

"In relation to my sister it's quite upsetting and I'm very worried about her and I'm also very concerned about her colleagues on board," said President Catherine Connolly.

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Following interceptions of the 2025 flotilla, activists were detained, imprisoned and later deported by Israeli authorities. While Israeli forces claim they treated all activists on board with respect and regard for safety, activists who were detained say they suffered abuse and neglect, like being denied medical aid.

TDs will vote this coming Wednesday, May 20, on People Before Profit's Sanctions Against the State of Israel 2026 Bill. Activists from the flotilla are urging the public to sign a petition and contact their TDs to support this legislation. The petition has already reached over 3,000 signatures.

If passed, the bill would implement economic sanctions, including a complete prohibition on trade, investment, technical assistance, and financial dealings with Israel.

A demonstration will also be held outside Leinster House on May 20 at 5:30 pm, before the Dáil vote.