World
Israeli Forces Detain Irish President's Sister on "Freedom Flotilla"
Irish President Catherine Connolly confirmed the arrest of her sister, Dr. Margaret Connolly, by Israeli forces during the interception of the "Freedom Flotilla" attempting to break the Gaza blockade near Cyprus.
Israeli military forces detained Dr. Margaret Connolly, sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly, as part of their operation against the "Freedom Flotilla" sailing to challenge the blockade on Gaza. The interception occurred in international waters close to Cyprus.
The Israeli navy seized control of multiple vessels involved in the flotilla, including the "Mavi Marmara 2" and the "Blue Toys." Dr. Connolly is among at least six Irish nationals taken into custody during the operation.
Margaret Connolly serves as a general practitioner in Ireland and has a long history of activism supporting Palestinian solidarity. Her sister, President Catherine Connolly, expressed pride in her and concern for her safety and that of her fellow detainees following a visit to London.
Organizers of the flotilla released a pre-recorded video featuring Dr. Connolly, who stated:
"If you are seeing this video, it means I have been kidnapped by the Israeli occupation forces and am being held illegally. The struggle of Palestine is the moral compass of our time."
