Andrews among Irish citizens detained by Israel as flotilla intercepted

Sinn Féin Senator Chris Andrews is among the 9 Irish citizens who have been detained by Israeli authorites after they were stopped from bringing aid into Gaza.

Andrews, who is taking part in his 5th flotilla to Israel, has been detained by Israeli authorities after the ship he was on was boarded around 9pm on Wednesday night, Irish time.

Prior to his ship being boarded, Andrews said “Israel’s brutal actions tonight are completely illegal, and show their disregard for international law and human rights.”

“The Global Sumud Flotilla is a purely humanitarian and non-violent mission carrying food and aid to a starving population; this crime is reckless aggression intended to prevent any relief to the suffering they impose on the Palestinian people.”

“Israel has once again shown itself to be a rogue state that uses warfare and violence to maintain its oppression of Palestine,” the former TD said.

Andrews criticised the Spanish and Italian governments for “abandoning” the flotilla at the critical moment.

“The Irish Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs urgently need to act to ensure that my fellow Irish participants and I are not mistreated while in Israeli captivity,” he said.

“I want to thank my family, friends and comrades who have supported this flotilla, and I am looking forward to continuing my activism for freedom and justice when I am able to return home.”

Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAulife said he is aware that a Finglas man, Diarmuid Mac Dubhglais, may have been detained after his ship, the Sirius, was boarded last night.

McAuliffe said, “I have contacted The Department of Foreign Affairs, who I understand is aware of reports and is in direct contact with the flotilla’s Irish representative. The safety of Irish citizens must be guaranteed.”