Justice minister condemns 'Israeli attack on lawful flotilla' with Irish citizens on board

Sinn Féin senator Chris Andrews is aboard the flotilla (Niall Carson/PA)

Justice minister Jim O'Callaghan has condemned the Israeli government for “unlawfully attacking” a protest flotilla in international waters.

It comes as Sinn Féin said one of its senators was on board a boat in the flotilla that was targeted by multiple drones.

The Dáil heard on Wednesday that Senator Chris Andrews is on board the Spectre boat that was “struck four times” on Tuesday night.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald told the Dáil: “Last night, the Israelis attacked a peaceful flotilla that includes a member of the Oireachtas — our colleague Senator Chris Andrews.”

She added: “This flotilla is in imminent danger. There is, I think, over 20 Irish citizens on it.”

Responding to Ms McDonald as he took Leaders’ Questions on behalf of the Government, Mr O’Callaghan expressed “concern” for his former constituency colleague, Mr Andrews.

“Deputy McDonald mentioned how the flotilla of people who are going out lawfully protesting about the slaughter in Gaza was attacked last night by Israeli forces.

“What this seems to show is that the Israeli government are prepared to attack non-combatants, whether they’re in Gaza or whether they’re on international waters.

“And certainly on behalf of the Irish Government, I want to condemn the actions of the Israeli government in unlawfully attacking a lawful flotilla that is seeking to engage in peaceful activity on international waters.”

Ms McDonald took up the “serious development” again in the subsequent session on policy and legislation.

She said she had spoken to Mr Andrews on Wednesday morning.

“His boat, the Spectre was hit by four Israeli drones. I understand that 11 devices hit at that and other boats on the flotilla.

“These are clearly acts of intimidation, of menace, of threat.

“They represent yet another brazen violation of international law, and it’s just simply a symptom of the impunity gifted to Netanyahu, gifted to Israel, to their apartheid, to their occupation and now to their ongoing genocide. ”

She said the flotilla was a “mission of mercy” to break the blockade of Gaza and deliver aid as well as put pressure on Israel “to stop the genocide”.

Mr O’Callaghan said it was “obviously a very traumatic event” for all on board the flotilla.

“This is a reflection of the contempt that Israel has for people who are non combatants, whether they are in Gaza or whether they are on international waters.”

He said both Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris are “very concerned about the overnight attack on the flotilla”.

“No unlawful or violent act should be taken against the flotilla, and I would urge Israel to respect international law and international humanitarian law.

“Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are closely monitoring the situation.”

'Not acceptable'

Commenting on the attack, Tánaiste Simon Harris said what has happened is clearly not acceptable."

He continued: "Our clear priority is to ensure the welfare of our citizens. My Department will provide consular assistance to any Irish citizens affected.

"It is clear what international law allows and does not allow, and it is clearly a breach of international law to have any activity that is targeting civilians or a humanitarian flotilla."

Mr Harris said he has spoken directly with the EU's High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas about "collectively raising our concerns" in Tel Aviv and "considering what can be done to ensure the safety and well-being of all those on board the flotilla."

The Tánaiste also intends to raise the matter at the United Nations during during the Global Alliance for Implementation of the Two-State Solution meeting.

Elsewhere, Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik also commented: “All our thoughts are with those on the flotilla, and I think it’s hugely important that Ireland does all it can on the world stage to ensure the safety of those on board.”

Foreign affairs minister Mr Harris said he was “extremely concerned” by developments involving the flotilla. In a statement, he said: “The welfare and safety of people aboard that flotilla has to be a priority of the international community.

“My officials are in direct contact with a designated Government point of contact for the Global Movement To Gaza delegation of the GSF.

“Our clear priority is to ensure the welfare of our citizens.” 

He added: “What has happened is clearly not acceptable. It is clear what international law allows and does not allow, and it is clearly a breach of international law to have any activity that is targeting civilians or a humanitarian flotilla.” 

Mr Harris said he had discussed raising concerns with Tel Aviv during a direct engagement with the EU’s High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas. He said he also intends to raise the matter at a UN meeting relating to the region.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has been contacted for comment.