Dáil unanimous in condemnation of Gaza ship attack

The Dáil has this evening passed a unanimous motion condemning the attack by Israel on an aid flotilla en-route to Gaza.

Earlier, Taoiseach Brian Cowen called for the immediate and unconditional release of five Irish citizens being held by the Israelis.

The Irish Government has also asked Israel to guarantee the safe passage of the ship the MV Rachel Corrie which is still en-route to Gaza where its due to deliver humanitarian aid.

"I asked Ambassador Evrony to convey to his Government my request that, following the tragedy which has occurred, the Rachel Corrie be allowed to continue unimpeded, and to deliver its cargo to Gaza," said Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin in an earlier statement to the Dáil.

"I have just spoke in the past hour with the former UN senior official, Denis Halliday, who is one of the Irish citizens aboard the Rachel Corrie.

"We will be watching this situation very closely – as indeed will the world – and it is imperative that Israel avoid any action which leads to further bloodshed."

Minister Martin has indicated that the Israelis will not end their naval blockade of Gaza, however.