Taoiseach and Tánaiste condemn interception of Global Sumud Flotilla: "What Israel have done is illegal"

Taoiseach, Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris have condemned Israel's interception and detention of the activists on board the Gaza Sumud Flotilla. Among those detained was Dr. Margaret Connolly, the sister of President Catherine Connolly.

Margaret Connolly is one of 12 or more Irish citizens detained by Israeli naval forces on Monday in international waters off the coast of Cyprus. Israeli forces are reportedly expected to transfer the arrested activists to the 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.

“I was very struck by the president’s comments yesterday, because on a purely personal level, of course, you’d be worried, and my heart goes out to President Connolly and her family, and indeed all of the families of those detained,” said Simon Harris. “What Israel has done is, in my view, illegal. It is, in my view, in breach of international law, quite frankly, not even in my view. It is in breach of international law.”

“We’re at this long enough to know that Israel doesn’t really care very much for people’s words, does it?” he continued. “Unfortunately, Israel seems to ignore the condemnation of the international community. That’s why I think it’s important that we look at the actions that can be taken,” he said, referring to the Occupied Territories Bill, which has yet to pass since it was drafted in 2018.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he strongly condemns the actions of the Israeli authorities.

“Very often, what tends to happen is people very quickly pivot away from attacking the Israeli government and want to attack the Irish government,” said Martin. “Most Palestinians I meet are very appreciative of the successive actions that the Irish government has taken. If we pass the Occupied Territories Bill in the morning, there would still be a flotilla, and I understand why there would be.”

This is the second time the 2026 Global Sumud Flotilla has been intercepted, with a similar incident occurring in late April off the coast of Crete, which resulted in the detention and later release or deportation of approximately 175 activists.

A vote is scheduled for Wednesday, 20 May, in the Dáil on People Before Profit's Sanctions Against the State of Israel 2026 Bill.  A demonstration is also planned at 5:30 pm, outside Leinster House before the vote.