16 Irish citizens held on Gaza flotilla taken to ‘detention facility’ in Israel

All 16 Irish citizens who were detained after Israel intercepted an aid flotilla have been transferred to a “detention facility” in southern Israel, according to the Tanaiste.

Simon Harris also said he believed Israel had breached international law in the detention of the 16 Irish citizens among hundreds of others.

He said Ireland’s ambassador to Israel is at the facility and providing “all possible and appropriate” assistance to those detained,

They were held after Israel intercepted around 40 vessels taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla taking aid to Gaza.

Organisers say the flotilla was arranged to carry humanitarian aid for Palestinians, break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and raise awareness.

Israel’s foreign ministry said on social media that activists on board – who included Sinn Fein senator Chris Andrews and other European legislators – were safe and were being taken to Israel to begin “procedures” for their deportations to their home countries.

In a statement after a meeting of senior Department of Foreign Affairs officials, Mr Harris said: “Over the past number of weeks, I have repeatedly stated that I understand that the peaceful efforts of those that were on board reflect an understandable desire by many people around the world to urgently address the humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza.

“I can confirm that, in the last 24 hours, all 16 of our citizens were transferred to a detention facility in southern Israel.

“In this situation, my clear priority is their safety and wellbeing.

“An embassy team, including our ambassador to Israel, is currently at the detention facility, and is providing all possible and appropriate consular assistance, including ensuring access to legal representation and facilitating medical treatment where necessary.”

The department understands that those detained will be given the option to leave immediately or be brought before a hearing within a few days.

Mr Harris added: “Dublin-based officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are also in close contact with family members who have requested our support.

“I understand that this is an exceptionally difficult time for them, and we will continue to update them as we receive more information.”

Mr Harris said the department will also monitor the situation around several other Irish citizens participating in further flotillas en route to Gaza.

Asked on RTE radio if he believed Israel had breached international law, Mr Harris said: “Yes I do.”

He added: “I think the people who have travelled on the flotilla are brave and peaceful people who have tried to shine a light on the humanitarian catastrophe, the famine, the genocide that’s happening in Gaza.”

Asked what action he wanted to see taken, Mr Harris said he did not want to cause any provocation while prioritising the safety of Irish citizens in detention.

However, he said: “But there are obviously international courts, there are obviously UN human rights bodies, and I think there are a number of ways of being able to test and – I believe – prove that Israel has violated international law.”

Pressed on whether Ireland would send a naval vessel to monitor other flotillas, the Tanaiste said he had given it a lot of consideration, but said ships from Spain, Turkey, and italy “didn’t make any difference whatsoever”.

He added: “But what I have agreed with European colleagues is that when there’s a European boat in the waters, Irish citizens will be treated the same as the nationality by whom that boat is owned.

“So I am satisfied that there are European eyes on that water that are acting also as Irish eyes.”

Mr Harris also said he had raised concerns with the European Union over a lack of public statement or action on the detention of European citizens.

He further called for a full suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.