Justice minister condemns ‘Israeli attack on lawful flotilla’
By Cillian Sherlock, PA
The Justice Minister has condemned the Israeli government for “unlawfully attacking” a protest flotilla in international waters.
It comes as the largest opposition party, Sinn Féin, said one of its senators was on board a boat in the flotilla that was targeted by multiple drones.
The Dáil heard on Wednesday that Senator Chris Andrews is on board the Spectre boat that was “struck four times” on Tuesday night.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald told the Dáil: “Last night, the Israelis attacked a peaceful flotilla that includes a member of the Oireachtas – our colleague Senator Chris Andrews.”
They represent yet another brazen violation of international law, and it's just simply a symptom of the impunity gifted to Netanyahu, gifted to Israel, to their apartheid, to their occupation and now to their ongoing genocide
She added, “This flotilla is in imminent danger. There is, I think, over 20 Irish citizens on it.”
Responding to Ms McDonald as he took Leaders’ Questions on behalf of the Government, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan expressed “concern” for his former constituency colleague, Mr Andrews.
“Deputy McDonald mentioned how the flotilla of people who are going out lawfully protesting about the slaughter in Gaza was attacked last night by Israeli forces.
“What this seems to show is that the Israeli government are prepared to attack non-combatants, whether they’re in Gaza or whether they’re on international waters.
“And certainly on behalf of the Irish Government, I want to condemn the actions of the Israeli government in unlawfully attacking a lawful flotilla that is seeking to engage in peaceful activity on international waters.”
Ms McDonald took up the “serious development” again in the subsequent session on policy and legislation.
She said she had spoken to Mr Andrews on Wednesday morning.
“His boat, the Spectre, was hit by four Israeli drones. I understand that 11 devices hit at that and other boats on the flotilla.
“These are clearly acts of intimidation, of menace, of threat.
“They represent yet another brazen violation of international law, and it’s just simply a symptom of the impunity gifted to Netanyahu, gifted to Israel, to their apartheid, to their occupation and now to their ongoing genocide. ”
She said the flotilla was a “mission of mercy” to break the blockade of Gaza and deliver aid as well as put pressure on Israel “to stop the genocide”.
No unlawful or violent act should be taken against the flotilla, and I would urge Israel to respect international law and international humanitarian law
Mr O’Callaghan said it was “obviously a very traumatic event” for all on board the flotilla.
“This is a reflection of the contempt that Israel has for people who are non-combatants, whether they are in Gaza or whether they are on international waters.”
He said both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste are “very concerned about the overnight attack on the flotilla”.
“No unlawful or violent act should be taken against the flotilla, and I would urge Israel to respect international law and international humanitarian law.
“Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are closely monitoring the situation.”
Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik also commented: “All our thoughts are with those on the flotilla, and I think it’s hugely important that Ireland does all it can on the world stage to ensure the safety of those on board.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs has been contacted for comment.
