Statement by Minister McEntee on the Treatment of Irish Citizens Detained in Israel

I am appalled and shocked by the video footage circulated by Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, in which illegally detained participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla, including Irish citizens, are not in any way being treated with appropriate dignity or respect.

At my instruction, Ireland’s Ambassador to Israel has demanded immediate assurances that the welfare and wellbeing of all Irish citizens is safeguarded and that they are afforded all the protections that they are entitled to under international law. I have also demanded their immediate release.

I can assure their families and loved ones that our citizens will be afforded all appropriate consular assistance and support as soon as we secure access to them.