Statement by Tánaiste Simon Harris in relation to latest interception of Flotilla

I am aware that, overnight, another Flotilla has been intercepted by Israel, this time with 5 Irish citizens on board.

In this situation, my clear priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our citizens. To this end, our Embassy team in Tel Aviv is in contact with Israeli authorities regarding next steps and the wellbeing of the Irish citizens who have been detained.

What I expect to happen now is that all detainees will be transferred to Ashdod port for processing, and from there to a detention facility south of Tel Aviv.

I expect this to take most of the day. Our Embassy team in Tel Aviv will visit our citizens there as soon as possible.

Officials from across my Department, including those in Embassy Tel Aviv, are actively engaged with the situation and are providing consular assistance to those affected.

I am due to receive an update from our Ambassador to Israel later this morning.