Irish president’s sister among Gaza flotilla activists detained by Israel: Reports

Irish President Catherine Connolly's sister is among the Gaza-bound Global Sumud flotilla activists detained by Israeli forces, according to media reports Monday.

Margaret Connolly was among at least six Irish citizens aboard the aid flotilla detained by Israel, the Irish Independent reported, citing activists.

According to the Global Sumud Flotilla, 10 boats from a 60-vessel convoy were intercepted in international waters and boarded by Israeli forces earlier Monday.

Organizers said the interception took place around 70 nautical miles off the island of Cyprus, with at least six of the 15 Irish participants detained.

The flotilla released videos from Connolly and five other activists that appeared to have been recorded before the interception.

"If you are watching this video, it means I have been kidnapped from my boat in the flotilla by the Israeli occupying forces, and I'm now being held illegally in an Israeli prison," Connolly said in the video.

"I am so proud to be taking part in this flotilla -- it is the largest to date," she added.

The Irish Foreign Ministry said it is monitoring the situation and will provide consular assistance to impacted Irish citizens.

"Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, at headquarters and at relevant Embassies, are actively monitoring the situation regarding the Global Sumud Flotilla and are engaging with the relevant authorities," a spokesperson for the ministry said in response to Anadolu's question.

PRESIDENT SAYS SHE IS 'VERY PROUD' OF HER SISTER

Speaking to reporters in London, President Connolly said she is "very proud" of her sister Margaret Connolly, who was today detained by Israeli forces while part of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.

Connolly noted she has not spoken to her and that she has no further information other than what has been reported, added that she is worried both for her sister and the others who have been detained.

"It seems like this happened in international waters and it's a cause of worry really, and I'm very proud of my sister but I'm worried about her," added the president.

The Israeli army on Monday attacked and intercepted the Gaza-bound Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla in international waters and detained around 100 activists as the mission sought to break Israel's blockade on the Palestinian enclave.

The flotilla, consisting of more than 50 boats, set sail Thursday from the Turkish Mediterranean district of Marmaris in a renewed attempt to break the Israeli blockade imposed on Gaza since 2007.

Organizers said the mission included 426 participants, among them 96 Turkish activists and participants from 39 other countries, including Germany, the US, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Algeria, Indonesia, Morocco, France, South Africa, the UK, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Canada, Egypt, Pakistan, Tunisia, Oman and New Zealand.

On April 29, Israeli forces also attacked the Global Sumud aid flotilla off the coast of the Greek island of Crete.