Heneghan returns to Ireland after being released by Israeli forces

TD Barry Heneghan has returned to Ireland after being detained by Israeli forces whilst attempting to provide aid to the people of Gaza, Tanaiste Simon Harris said.

On Wednesday, it was announced that three flotilla vessels carrying medicine and nutritional supplies were intercepted just off the coast of Gaza.

Mr Heneghan, a TD for the Dublin Bay North constituency, was one of five pro-Palestinian activists from Ireland who was aboard the vessel.

Mr Harris said: “I’ve just received confirmation that Deputy Heneghan is back in Ireland, and had a brief message from him to that effect.”

Mr Harris expressed his condemnation at the interception of the aid flotilla during leader’s questions at The Dail, on Thursday, when questioned by Social Democrats deputy leader TD Cian O’Callaghan.

Mr O’Callaghan said that “the kidnapping of five Irish citizens on Wednesday night by Israeli forces in international waters” was “utterly unacceptable”.

Mr Harris said: “I share your condemnation of what happens to our five Irish citizens.

“We believe it was illegal in terms of how they were detained, and I do intend to consider how to pursue that with other counterparts today, though I join with you in welcoming the very real life prospect of a ceasefire.

“The United Nations has talked about there being enough food in the region to feed the people of Gaza for three months.

“If we can just get that in, and get that in urgently, and our aid people will be endeavouring to assist on that.”

Mr Harris said that he is calling for the “swift release” of the other four Irish citizens detained by Israeli forces.

The pro-Palestinian activists still detained in Israel include Naoise Dolan, Fionn Macarthure, Veronica O’Keane and Mutaz Jadaan.

Mr Harris has said that he “welcomes the very real prospect of a ceasefire” in Gaza.

Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan for Gaza, paving the way for a pause in the fighting and the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, 15 Irish activists on board the Global Sumud Flotilla, who were held in an Israeli prison after their vessels carrying aid to Gaza were intercepted also returned to Ireland.

Dozens of people including family members, friends and supporters gathered at arrivals in Dublin Airport to welcome home the pro-Palestinian activists.