3 Irish safe after Israeli assault on Freedom Flotilla – 2 refuse deportation, still in detention

Reports have reached us that the three Irish passengers kidnapped this morning by Israeli commandos are all unhurt. Shane Dillon is on a plane back to Ireland, while Dr Fintan Lane and Fiachra O Luain have both contested deportation and are now in an Israeli detention camp and will be brought to court within 72 hours. The three were kidnapped as part of the Israeli attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla earlier today that killed up to 19 people, according to reports.

Dr Lane’s family received a call from Minister Michael Martin's office following his meeting with the Israeli Ambassador. The Ambassador informed Minister Martin that all there Irish passengers were not injured.

Speaking about his son’s detention, Dr. Lane’s father Jim said: “I am proud of my son, not only for going on this solidarity mission to Gaza, but also for refusing deportation. He is making a point that Israel should have no control over who enters Gaza. He has done nothing wrong and I support him. Furthermore, it is my belief that the United States should stop giving carte blanche to the Israeli state, for it is this support that gives Israel the confidence to act with such impunity.”

There are unconfirmed reports that there may be several other Irish Muslim participants currently being detained, but we are awaiting further news on this.

The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) will this evening at stage a demonstration in protest over the Israeli attack, which took place in international waters. The demonstrators will assemble at 6pm at the Spire on O’Connell St, and will march from there to the Israeli Embassy in Ballsbridge.

Speakers at the demo will be ICTU President Jack O’Connor, Aengus O Snodaigh TD, Chris Andrews TD, Sen. Mark Daly, the Lord Mayor of Dublin Emer Costello and Freda Hughes of the IPSC. Mr Andrews, Mr O Snodaigh and Mr Daly were refused access to the flotilla by the Cypriot authorities after coming under severe pressure from Israel.

Protestors will be calling for the expulsion of the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland, Zion Evrony, and for action to be taken by the Irish government against Israel. They will also be calling on Irish civil society and the trade union movement to support the Palestinian call for a campaign of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel until it abides by international law and ends its illegal occupation.