A 60-vessel aid flotilla was intercepted in international waters shortly after 9am Monday, with 10 boats boarded by Israeli forces about 70 nautical miles off Cyprus. At least six of 15 Irish participants were detained, including Dr Margaret Connolly. The flotilla reported losing contact with the intercepted boats. Videos posted from Dr Connolly and others appear to have been recorded before detention. Dr Connolly said she was kidnapped from her boat and held illegally in an Israeli prison. Organisers stated the interception had no legal basis and that participants were acting within the law to deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza. A nurse participant said the healthcare system in Gaza was destroyed and many healthcare workers were killed or imprisoned.
"If you are watching this video, it means I have been kidnapped from my boat in the flotilla by the Israeli occupying forces, and I'm now being held illegally in an Israeli prison. I am so proud to be taking part in this flotilla -it is the largest to date."
"This attack on the flotilla has no legal basis and all of the participants from Ireland and around the world on this flotilla are acting within the law to deliver aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza who have been failed by all states and international institutions. We are now extremely concerned for the safety and welfare of all 15 Irish participants and the hundreds of other participants who are on the flotilla."
"I am sailing as part of the healthcare team on the Doctors to Gaza boat with the Global Sumud Flotilla to break the siege and show solidarity with our Palestinian colleagues. Israel has destroyed the healthcare system in Gaza, slaughtered more than 2,000 healthcare workers and imprisoned or disappeared close to 400 doctors."
"The Global Sumud Flotilla said that 10 boats in a 60-vessel flotilla were intercepted in international waters and boarded by Israeli forces shortly after 9am on Monday. Organisers said the interception happened approximately 70 nautical miles off Cyprus, with at least six of 15 Irish participants among those detained. The Global Sumud Flotilla said it has lost contact with the intercepted boats."
Read at Irish Independent
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