Zionist forces intercept Gaza-bound aid flotilla, detain 345 activists, including Irish president’s sister

OCCUPIED PALESTINE, May 19 (YPA) – Israeli occupation forces have detained 345 activists participating in the “Global Sumud Flotilla” after intercepting 39 vessels in international waters while they were en route to the Gaza Strip in an attempt to break the blockade.

The Prisoners’ Media Office said the participants represent various nationalities and were seeking to deliver humanitarian aid and express solidarity with the people of Gaza amid the ongoing war.

It added that among those detained is Irish physician Margaret Connolly, the sister of Ireland’s President Catherine Connolly, a well-known pro-Palestinian activist.

Catherine Connolly expressed pride in her sister while also voicing concern over her safety and that of other detained activists.

An Israeli military source said Defense Minister Israel Katz had been informed that the navy had so far taken control of more than 40 vessels and arrested over 300 activists out of an estimated 500 participants in the Turkish-led flotilla.

The source, cited by the Israeli news site Walla, added that the political leadership has not yet decided the fate of the detainees—whether they will be returned to “Israel” or transferred to another country in the region.

@E.Y.M