Taoiseach urges Gaza aid flotilla to stop, warning of ‘very dangerous situation’

Members of the group of ships of the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza are seen moored at the small island of Koufonisi, south of the island of Crete, on September 26, 2025. After a reported attack by drones early on September 25, 2025 morning, Athens has said it will guarantee safe sailing in its waters. The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying activists including Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg, blamed Israel for more than a dozen explosions heard around its vessels off Greece late on September 24, 2025. (Photo by Eleftherios ELIS / AFP) (Photo by ELEFTHERIOS ELIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he does not believe the flotilla travelling towards Gaza should continue, adding he is “very concerned” about the situation.
The international flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza reported that unidentified vessels approached some of its boats before dawn on Wednesday as it neared a zone where Israel has imposed a naval blockade on the war-stricken strip.
Several Irish citizens are travelling towards Gaza, including Sinn Féin Senator Chris Andrews and Cork comedian Tadhg Hickey.
A video post on the flotilla's Instagram page said an Israeli military vessel approached its boats, carrying out "dangerous manoeuvres" and damaging communication systems before departing.
Speaking in Copenhagen, the Taoiseach said Israel must respect international law but stressed he did not believe the flotilla should go any further.
“We are very worried about the situation and concerned about the situation pertaining to the flotilla. It is coming towards a very dangerous situation,” Mr Martin told reporters.
“We would say to the Israeli Government that it must behave within international law and also deal with this in a way that doesn't cause harm to any members on board various ships and flotillas.
“This is not a military operation. It's not violent, these people are peaceful. The people on the on the various boats, they're there to profile, shine a light on the appalling deprivation in Gaza and the lack of humanitarian aid going into Gaza. It's a humanitarian mission.
“We do believe there's danger there, and we have said to people, to Irish citizens, that it's not an area for safe travel.

“People shouldn't, in my view, progress further and should do everything they can to protect themselves and to make sure they don't come in harm's way.
“But there's a huge responsibility also on the Israeli government, to handle this with caution, sensitivity, and acknowledge that this is a humanitarian mission, first and foremost.
“Ultimately, the war needs to stop. We need to get all of the hostages released, and we need to get UN-controlled humanitarian aid into Gaza.”
The flotilla has heightened international tensions in recent days after it was attacked by drones, which dropped stun grenades and itching powder on the vessels, causing damage but no injuries. Israel has said it will use any means to prevent the boats from reaching Gaza.
Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni also called for the flotilla to stop, saying it could damage US attempts to secure a peace deal. Mr Martin did not state whether he agreed.
Mr Martin did not state whether he agreed with this view.
The Taoiseach is in Denmark for two days of European summits focused on Ukraine and defence across the continent.
Mr Martin said he also intends to raise the situation in the Middle East and will push for a “cessation” and an “end to the Israeli attack on Gaza City.”
He added: “President Trump's proposals do allow for a UN Red Crescent conducted aid programme, which is absolutely vital in terms of the people of Gaza and the cessation of all violence, the release of all hostages as well.
“It creates an opportunity for progress, but the immediate priority must be a ceasefire, release of all hostages, and a massive surge of humanitarian aid.”