Irish citizens detained as Israel intercepts flotilla

As Israeli forces took control of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which had been attempting to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, among those arrested was Dairmuid Mac Dubhghlais, a close friend of Navan's Cllr Alan Lawes.

"We got a message around 7pm last night that that boat he was on, the Alma had been intercepted by the Israelis. Shortly after that we saw the video which said they had been taken into custody," said Cllr Lawes.

"I have been talking to his partner, Sinead, and she heard nothing since. They were taken hostage in international waters. They were bringing badly needed food, baby formula nd medical supplies for Gaza. This is another war crime," he said.

Cllr Lawes said he knows Dermot as he worked with his father for ten years in Cappagh hospital. "That is how I first got to know him, but Dermot is involved in a homeless soup run in Dublin and so often co-ordinate with each other," said Cllr Lawes.

Cllr Lawes paid tribute to the Italian trade unions who have brought shipping to Israel to a standstill.

"I'd like to see our unions getting involved - maybe holding a national strike to force the government to enact the occupied territories bill." he said.

Israel's foreign ministry said that those who have been detained are to be deported to Europe.

The flotilla, which set out from Spain last month with nearly 500 activists and a cargo of humanitarian aid, was stopped by up to 14 Israeli navy vessels last night.

At least eight Irish citizens, including Sinn Féin senator Chris Andrews and Swedish climate activist, Greta Thunberg, have been detained .