Irish President Catherine Connolly says her sister, Dr Margaret Connolly, is among Irish citizens detained by Israeli forces while travelling on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. Several outlets report that the Global Sumud Flotilla was seized off the coast of Cyprus, with organisers saying Israeli forces detained at least six Irish people. Sky News, BreakingNews.ie and the Evening Standard report Dr Margaret Connolly is among those detained. Middle East Eye and other reports quote President Connolly describing the situation as “upsetting” and saying she is “very worried” about her sister and concerned for other people on board. Campaigners and organisers also warn that additional activists may face risk, with claims that more vessels were at risk of interception.
The number of detained Irish citizens is reported with some variation across outlets, with one report mentioning at least six and another citing a higher figure, reflecting differences in early figures and ongoing updates. Overall, Irish political figures condemn the detention, while the case centres on the reported seizure of a humanitarian flotilla and the detention of Irish participants, including the president’s sister.
