Relief as MV Saoirse avoids harm in Gaza

LABOUR leader Eamon Gilmore has said he is “relieved” Israeli forces did not repeat violent scenes when they intercepted an Irish boat attempting to breach the blockade of aid to Palestine in international waters yesterday.

The Foreign Affairs Minister repeated his view that he is opposed to the Israeli blockade. However, Mr Gilmore stressed that his first priority is to “defuse” the situation and ensure Irish citizens on the MV Saoirse and a second vessel are not injured.

He said he is “relieved” no one was injured in the incident, unlike in May 2010, when nine people involved in a similar flotilla were killed by Israeli forces.

“My priority throughout this whole episode, as in relation to previous flotillas attempting to sail to Gaza, has been to ensure no harm would come to any Irish national involved and I am relieved that this has been accomplished,” he said.