Israel intercepts 39-boat Gaza flotilla

Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla near Cyprus on Monday, and organisers said 39 boats were stopped while some other vessels continued toward Gaza. The Global Sumud Flotilla said Israeli forces boarded boats in international waters and detained activists, including Irish citizens. Israel said it would not allow any breach of its naval blockade on Gaza and described the mission as a provocation. Irish leaders condemned the detentions after organisers said Dr Margaret Connolly, the sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly, was among those held. (thejournal.ie) (gov.ie) ### How did the interception unfold near Cyprus? The Global Sumud Flotilla said the operation began on May 18 about 70 nautical miles off Cyprus, where Israeli forces moved to intercept boats from the convoy. Organisers said military vessels surrounded parts of the flotilla and boarded some of the boats in daylight. Reuters reported that organisers said 39 boats were intercepted, while other ships in the flotilla kept moving. Other accounts cited by regional and Irish media described at least 10 boats as boarded earlier in the operation, underscoring that the numbers were still being updated as contact with parts of the convoy was lost. (usnews.com) ### Who was on board, and why has Ireland reacted so strongly? Dr Margaret Connolly was among the detained activists, according to organisers and Irish media reports. The Journal said she is the sister of President Catherine Connolly and was part of a group of Irish participants on the flotilla. (asiapacificreport.nz) President Catherine Connolly said on Monday she was “very proud” of her sister and also worried about her welfare. Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he “strongly condemn[ed]” the interception of boats in international waters and called for the immediate release of those detained. (usnews.com) RTÉ and the Taoiseach’s office said the Irish government had raised concerns about the welfare of those detained with Israeli authorities. Martin also said the government would discuss with European Union partners how to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Irish citizens involved. (thejournal.ie) ### What does Israel say it was enforcing? Israel’s Foreign Ministry said it would not allow a breach of the naval blockade on Gaza. Israeli officials described the flotilla as a provocation and said aid to Gaza should go through official channels rather than by sea convoy. (thejournal.ie) The Times of Israel and other reports said the Israeli Navy began intercepting the flotilla off Cyprus after the boats sailed from Marmaris in southern Turkey last week. Israel has previously stopped other attempts by activists to reach Gaza by sea. (rte.ie) ### What are organisers claiming about the mission? The Global Sumud Flotilla said the convoy was a legal, non-violent humanitarian mission intended to challenge the blockade and deliver aid. Organisers said participants came from dozens of countries and that the flotilla included more than 50 vessels and hundreds of people. (jpost.com) Organisers have also said they expected legal action after the interception. One organiser told Al Araby, as quoted by another report, that the group would pursue claims over violations of the law of the sea and piracy. (timesofisrael.com) ### What happens next for the detainees and the remaining boats? Micheál Martin said on May 18 that Ireland was seeking the immediate release of those detained and coordinating on their welfare. The Irish government said it would take up the issue with EU partners. (globalsumudflotilla.org) The flotilla organisers said some vessels were still continuing after the first interceptions, though contact with parts of the convoy had been lost during the operation. Updates on detainees and the status of the remaining boats were being posted by organisers and reported by Irish and international media on Tuesday, May 19. (thejewishedition.com) (usnews.com) (gov.ie)