Irish novelist Naoise Dolan who is onboard says ‘we need to keep all eyes on Gaza’Sinn Féin senator Chris Andrew also onboard flotilla
The Global Sumud Flotilla is using about 50 civilian boats to try and break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. Many lawyers and activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, and Irish activists, are on board.
“We have sent one ship and another is on its way, ready for any eventuality,” Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said in a speech to the lower house of parliament.
The flotilla departed earlier this month from Barcelona’s Moll de la Fusta with some 300 people, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau. Photo: Getty
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – September 25th
Italy sent a first frigate on Wednesday, hours after the GSF said it was targeted by drones that dropped stun grenades and itching powder, in international waters 30 nautical miles (56 km) off the Greek island of Gavdos. It then sent a second navy ship.
Spain also decided to send a military warship to protect the flotilla.
The GSF said early on Thursday that its vessels were sailing at slow speed in Greek territorial waters, had been subjected to “moderate drone activity” during the night, and were heading towards international waters “later today”.
Irish novelist Naoise Dolan is onboard the flotilla, the Dubliner (33) told the Irish Independent: “Israel is currently committing ever graver atrocities as it advances its assault on Gaza City.
“We know it has a history of attacking the flotilla and then following it up immediately with far graver assaults in Gaza.
“It’s what happened after the first two drone strikes in Tunisia: Israel proceeded to significantly intensify its forced displacement in North Gaza, as well as bombing Quatar, Syria and Lebanon.
“As of 6pm [Wednesday], Israel has killed 84 people in Gaza so far today, and that’s only the ones that medics have identified; there could be far more under the rubble.
“We need to keep all eyes on Gaza. We cannot let their attacks on the flotilla deflect international attention from the genocide. Nor will those of us sailing be deterred: we stand with Palestinians and with human dignity no matter what.”
It comes as Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan accused the Israeli government of “unlawfully attacking” the protest flotilla in international waters.
The Dáil was told yesterday that Sinn Féin senator Chris Andrew is aboard a boat in the flotilla that was targeted by multiple drones and “struck four times” on Tuesday night.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald told the Dail: “Last night, the Israelis attacked a peaceful flotilla that includes a member of the Oireachtas – our colleague Senator Chris Andrews. 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 [Benjamin] 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”.
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 Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris were “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 said: “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.”
Mr Harris said the Israeli attack on the flotilla is a “breach of international law” and has spoken with his EU counterparts about raising our concerns in Tel Aviv.
Mr Harris said: “I am extremely concerned by developments involving the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) and have been kept updated overnight. The welfare and safety of people aboard that flotilla has to be a priority of the international community.
“My officials are in direct contact with a designated Government point of contact for the Global Movement To Gaza delegation of the GSF. Our clear priority is to ensure the welfare of our citizens. My Department will provide consular assistance to any Irish citizens affected.
“What has happened is clearly not acceptable. It is clear what international law allows and does not allow, and it is clearly a breach of international law to have any activity that is targeting civilians or a humanitarian flotilla.”
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been contacted for comment.