Dublin: Ireland's foreign minister, Helen McEntee, expressed Ireland's condemnation of the 'seizure' of vessels involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near Greece and urged for the release of Irish citizens.

According to Anadolu Agency, Helen McEntee made her statement on the US social media platform X, emphasizing the importance of upholding international law and ensuring the safety of those aboard. She called on Israeli authorities to "immediately release all Irish citizens detained during this operation."

McEntee highlighted that her department's officials, including the staff at the Irish Embassy in Athens, are in contact with the relevant authorities and are prepared to provide consular assistance to the Irish citizens affected by these events. Her primary focus remains on the safety and wellbeing of all Irish nationals involved.

The flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid, began its journey with the first ships departing from Barcelona on April 12, followed by the main fleet from Sicily on April 26. The mission aims to challenge Israel's longstanding blockade of Gaza, which has severely affected the region since 2007, placing 2.4 million residents in dire conditions.

The situation in Gaza has been further exacerbated by an Israeli military offensive that started in October 2023, resulting in over 72,000 deaths, injuries to more than 172,000 individuals, and widespread devastation across the area.