A call has been made for the Naval Service to send a vessel in an “observational capacity” as support for the Gaza-bound flotilla carrying Irish and international participants and humanitarian aid.
Family members of the 22 Irish citizens involved attended the Dáil for a debate on a cross-party motion calling for Israel not to endanger the welfare or safety of Irish and international citizens on the 50-boat Global Sumud Flotilla, which aims to break the Israeli aid blockade of Gaza.
The motion also condemned the attacks by Israeli drones last weekon those participating in the flotilla.
More than 500 people, including Sinn Féin Senator Chris Andrews and Independent TD Barry Heneghan, are taking part. Leading international campaigners participating include climate change activist Greta Thunberg.
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Labour’s Duncan Smith called for an Irish Naval Service vessel to be involved as he pointed out that a number of countries had sent naval vessels to protect the flotilla.
“We should send our own naval vessel at the very least in an observational capacity. Our role as peacekeepers is respected globally.”
He said the move “would not need a UN mandate or breach the triple lock” which requires the backing of the UN, the Government and the Dáil and Seanad.
The vessels are within 300km, or four days, of reaching Gaza, but there was a fear “we could have an interception tonight” by the Israelis. The fear is in the wake of last week’s attack when objects were dropped by Israeli drones on a number of vessels, causing some damage but no injuries.
Opening the debate, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris said “any activity targeting civilians or humanitarian workers is a clear breach of international law”.
“Any attacks against the vessels in international waters or illegal detention will and must lead to accountability.”
He said “no action should be taken by Israel that endangers the welfare or safety of peaceful Irish citizens and other human rights activists, including approximately 300 European citizens, aboard this flotilla”.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald asked what the Government will do over the next 12 and 24 hours “to protect its citizens who are in harm’s way in the crosshairs of [Israeli prime minister Binyamin] Netanyahu”.
Her party colleague Pádraig Mac Lochlainn said: “Today there are six million Palestinian refugees throughout the Middle East. There are 750,000 Israeli settlers in illegal settlements. These are war crimes under international law.”
He said “it took a genocide of the scale we are seeing in Gaza for our State to officially recognise the Palestinian people”.
Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said everyone on the flotilla “is there with the understanding that their lives are at risk, knowing that there is little Israel will not do to retain its stranglehold on Gaza”.
Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger said: “Turkey, Spain, Italy and Greece are also sending drones to watch over the flotilla, but what is the Government doing? There are drones flying burgers over Blanchardstown, but could we not do something to help?”
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín said the Government had been “stronger than the EU on this issue, but weaker than the Irish people”. He warned that “not only is Gaza being levelled but Israel is destabilising its own future”.
“Atomising children in a tent does not lead to peace. It leads to the radicalisation of people against Israel.”
After the debate, Mr Harris had an informal meeting outside the Dáil chamber with relatives of those on the flotilla.
In a statement on Tuesday evening he said: “We discussed our concern regarding the possibility of any unlawful or violent acts being taken against the flotilla. I have consistently called on all parties to respect international law and international humanitarian law and continue to do so.
“I also informed them that I had once again contacted the EU’s high representative and vice-president Kaja Kallas to urge the EU to collectively raise our concerns for the safety and wellbeing of all those on board.”
He said he “remains in contact with EU and international partners, including my Spanish counterpart, regarding assistance for Irish citizens affected, should that become necessary”.
