Taoiseach condemns detention of Irish citizens on flotilla by Israeli military

By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association

The Taoiseach has condemned the detention of 12 Irish citizens, including the President’s sister, by Israeli military forces.

They were taking part in an aid flotilla to Gaza which organisers say was intercepted by Israel on Monday.

In a social media post, Micheál Martin said: “I strongly condemn the interception of boats in the Sumud flotilla in international waters and the detention of those on board by Israeli military forces, and call for their immediate release.”

Statement from Taoiseach Micheál Martin on aid Flotilla. pic.twitter.com/rxOtHqOlP9

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) May 18, 2026

The Taoiseach said the Government has “raised concerns for the welfare of those detained with the Israeli authorities” and will “discuss with EU partners how we can ensure the safety and wellbeing of our citizens”.

“Such interceptions and detentions are wholly unacceptable and must stop”, he added.

The Global Sumud Flotilla said that 10 boats in a 60-vessel flotilla were intercepted in international waters and boarded by Israeli forces shortly after 9am on Monday.

They said Dr Margaret Connolly, the sister of President Catherine Connolly, is among those held by Israel.

Speaking to reporters in London, President Connolly said she was “very proud” of her sister, but was worried about her.

“It’s quite upsetting, and I’m very worried about her, and I’m also very concerned about her colleagues on board,” she said.

Speaking on Virgin Media’s Monday with Gavan Reilly, the Minister for Foreign Affairs confirmed 12 Irish people are being detained.

Helen McEntee said the situation was “evolving” and her priority is “to make sure I have all of the facts to make sure that we’re engaging directly with the Israeli authorities, that we have full sight of where people are, and that their safety is paramount”.

“I utterly condemn these actions,” she added. “I can’t be any clearer than that.”

McEntee said the EU has not been “strong enough” on the Israeli government.

She said she is trying to “build a consensus” among member states to respond in a “coherent” way to a number of Israel’s actions, including the interception of the flotilla.

She said there has been “a bit of momentum building”, adding that she is hoping there will be more votes at the next European Council and Foreign Affairs Council meetings on issues including trade with the occupied West Bank.

McEntee said if consensus cannot be reached at a European level it would be “all the more reason” to pass Ireland’s Occupied Territories Bill.

“But if we do it with other countries, it has a greater effect, it has a greater impact, and you’re more likely to get others to follow,” she said.

Asked if there would be a “deadline” for getting a European ban passed before Ireland would implement one on its own, McEntee said she is advocating for a vote at the next council meeting on June 15th.

“What I will say is that we’re trying to progress both of these at the same time,” she added.