Ireland “needs to stop acting as if Israel is above the law”, says Andrews

Sinn Féin Senator Chris Andrews has condemned Israel’s “illegal” interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, and urged the Irish Government to take action to protect the Irish citizens involved.

Last night, several of the boats taking part in the ongoing Global Sumud Flotilla were illegally intercepted by armed Israeli forces off the coast of Greece.

Hundreds of activists have been taken into custody, including seven Irish citizens, one of them being the sister of President Catherine Connolly.

Andrews, who has taken part in a number of flotillas to Israel (including last September, when he was taken into Israeli custody) said the mission was a “humanitarian” one.

“These boats on a humanitarian mission were forcibly boarded over a thousand kilometres from the coast of Palestine, within international waters and Europe’s Exclusive Economic Zone, and yet the EU and the Irish government have been completely silent,” Andrews said.

“Israel has effectively been given license to commit piracy on the high seas, attacking unarmed and peaceful vessels far from its borders,” the Dublin Senator said.

“This Flotilla is continuing undeterred towards Gaza, carrying vitally needed humanitarian aid,” Andrews said.

“The Irish government has a responsibility to protect its citizens taking part in this Flotilla, including Dr Margaret Connolly the sister of our President Catherine Connolly, and we urgently need to see a proactive approach to ensure their welfare.”

“We also need decisive action holding Israel to account for its disregard of human rights.”

“The Occupied Territories Bill needs to be passed, the Nation’s League fixture against Israel needs to be abandoned, and the EU-Israel Trade Agreement must to scrapped.

“Ireland needs to stop acting as if Israel is above the law,” Andrews said.