Cork citizens among Gaza flotilla participants released from Israeli prison

At least two Cork citizens are among the 15 Irish returning home after being held in Israeli prison when their vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla were intercepted.

The 15 Irish flotilla participants, who had been attempting to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza, landed in Athens, Greece, today, with participants then travelling homeward on flights from Athens to Dublin today and tomorrow.

Global Movement to Gaza Éire, the group supporting the flotilla from Ireland, have confirmed that fifteen Irish participants, including comedian Tadhg Hickey and Cobh father Patrick O’Donovan are en route home.

Niamh Mac Namara, coordinator with Global Movement to Gaza Éire said: “Our government’s inaction over the genocide and ethnic cleansing in Palestine has directly led to this situation, ordinary Irish citizens forced to risk their lives because leaders refused to act.

“What happened was completely illegal under international law and should never have been allowed. If Ireland had imposed sanctions on the genocidal state of Israel and upheld human rights, this mission would never have been necessary.

“We demand immediate political action to protect those still sailing to Gaza and to end our complicity in this genocide.”