'I know Joshua will say it was worth it' says mother of Cork man detained by Israel

Crosshaven activist Joshua St Leger, who was among those detained by Israeli forces after the interception of an aid flotilla destined for Gaza this week, has now been deported to Istanbul alongside other detainees.

The 26-year-old, who was one of up to 12 Irish citizens detained by Israeli forces on Monday, was travelling as part of the 

Global Sumund Flotilla, which was attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine.

The boat carrying Mr St Leger – the Isabella – was one of 10 vessels intercepted by Israeli forces approximately 70 nautical miles off the coast of Cyprus.

Interception

Following the interception, the detainees were taken to a holding close to Ashdod Port in Israel, before they were deported from the Ilan and Asaf Ramon International Airport today, en route to Istanbul in Turkey.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr St Leger’s mother Linda said she had been informed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that her son was among those deported from Israel on Thursday afternoon.

“All the detainees, including Joshua, were put on buses this morning and the Turkish Government has chartered three flights to get them to Istanbul,” said Ms St Leger.

“They’ll get to Istanbul this evening and hopefully Joshua will be able to make a call.

“The Irish delegation have said they don’t know anything about their health, so they’ll have medical assistance on the ground if they need it, and access to hotels," she added.

“Things are happening so quickly. The plans are changing as the day goes through, but this is where they’re at right now,” she told The Echo.

“It’s looking positive so far – it is such a relief. I know they weren’t detained for that long, but I am concerned now for whatever mental or physical damage was done while they were there.

“I’ll know by his [Joshua’s] voice how he is – I know they were warned in advance what to expect and how to behave to avoid conflict and abuse.

“They’re on their way, and that’s all that matters.

“I think their mission was a success regardless, I know that Joshua will say it was worth it.”