Cork grandfather describes ‘barbaric’ detention after Gaza aid flotilla arrest

Paddy O’Donovan says he was detained in inhumane conditions after Israeli forces intercepted a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg arrives at the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in Athens, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025 after being deported from Israel for taking part in a Gaza-bound aid flottila. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

Crammed into a cell that stank of urine, with nothing but dirty water to drink for days, Cork grandfather and activist Paddy O’Donovan said he was woken repeatedly through the night by guards pointing machine guns at him.

By day, Mr O'Donovan said he was locked in a cage under the sun, surrounded by dogs and armed guards.