Seven Irish Released After Gaza Flotilla Detention

Seven Irish citizens detained by Israeli forces during the interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters off the coast of Crete, Greece, were released on Friday morning.

The individuals, identified as Robert Murphy, Martin Guilfoyle, Fiach Ó Brolcháin, Colm Byrne, Catríona Graham, Michael Fix, and John Connellan, were among those aboard vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla when Israeli naval forces boarded several boats late Wednesday night. The flotilla, consisting of multiple vessels carrying humanitarian aid, aimed to challenge restrictions on maritime access to Gaza. Organizers reported that the interceptions occurred approximately 45 nautical miles west of Crete, roughly 800 nautical miles from Israel.

Flotilla representatives confirmed that all seven Irish participants, along with others from the 20 to 22 intercepted boats, were released in Crete. Two remaining detainees, Saif and Thiago, were described as held by Israeli forces, prompting calls for their immediate release and urging governments to apply pressure. Some boats evaded capture, including one carrying Dr. Margaret Connolly, sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly, and activist Louise...