Israeli Forces Board Gaza Aid Flotilla Vessel, Contact Lost with Another; 15 Irish Citizens Aboard

Organizers of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza, which includes 15 Irish citizens, have reported that Israeli forces boarded one of their vessels and that contact was subsequently lost with another in the eastern Mediterranean.

Israel's foreign ministry had previously stated on X that it would not permit any breach of its naval blockade on Gaza. As Israeli military vessels intercepted the fleet, the Global Sumud Flotilla reiterated its demand for safe passage for what it described as a «legal, non-violent humanitarian mission.» The organization further urged international governments to intervene against what it termed «illegal acts of piracy» by Israel.

Karen Moynihan, head of the Irish delegation for the Global Sumud Flotilla, who is not currently on board, confirmed the presence of 15 Irish citizens within the flotilla. However, organizers could not ascertain how many, if any, of the Irish sailors were on intercepted ships. Ms. Moynihan has called upon the Irish Government to condemn the interception and advocate for safe passage for those legally entitled to navigate these waters. The flotilla organizers also released a video depicting boats approaching their fleet, with one video featuring Irish citizen Mikey Cullen.

Ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla had embarked for a third time on Thursday from southern Turkey, following earlier attempts to deliver aid to Gaza that were intercepted by Israel in international waters. In its statement, Israel also called on «all participants in this provocation to change course and turn back immediately.» A previous flotilla, which departed from Spain on April 12, also saw Israeli forces intercept vessels, leading to more than 100 pro-Palestinian activists being taken to Crete and two others detained in Israel. (Additional reporting by Reuters)