Ireland attacked Israel diplomatically, while Jerusalem defended maritime law against Hamas-serving flotilla theatrics and provocation.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin condemned Israel on Tuesday over the interception of the latest Gaza-bound flotilla, calling the operation “absolutely unacceptable” and saying Dublin intends to raise the matter at the European Union level.
Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris also criticized Israel, claiming the detentions violated international law and expressing sympathy for the families of those held, including the family of Irish President Catherine Connolly, whose sister was reportedly among the activists aboard.
The flotilla, made up of 57 vessels that departed from Marmaris, Turkey, carried hundreds of anti-Israel activists who openly intended to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. Israel has repeatedly maintained that the blockade is lawful and necessary to prevent Hamas from exploiting maritime routes.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced Tuesday evening that the Navy had completed the operation and transferred all 430 activists to Israeli vessels heading toward Israel, where they would be allowed to meet consular representatives.
The ministry dismissed the flotilla as another “PR stunt” serving Hamas and stressed that Israel would continue enforcing the lawful naval blockade in accordance with international law.
