The Irish government has warned citizens to avoid all travel to Gaza and areas of Israel as a result of the ongoing unrest there.

Two Irish citizens caught in the Israeli air strikes in Gaza have given firsthand accounts of their experience.

79 Irish parliamentarians have signed a statement condemning Israel’s ongoing blockade of the Gaza strip and supporting a large humanitarian sailing ship, the SV Estelle, that is now on its way from Europe to the port of Gaza.

The remaining nine Irish members of the Gaza flotilla, detained by Israel authorities for attempting to break the naval blockade, are due to arrive in Dublin Airport today. Five of the 14 activists arrived into Dublin on Thursday night.

Israeli commandos have been accused of abusing 14 Irish citizens, after they stormed a boat attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Israel is to deport 14 Irish citizens after the latest attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Members of the Israel navy boarded the Irish vessel “Saoirse” attempting to reach Gaza on Friday, in what authorities have described as a peaceful take over. A Canadian ship was also boarded.

The Irish flotilla carrying pro-Palestinian activists has reached international waters of the eastern Mediterranean and is approaching the Gaza strip.

Renowned artist Robert Ballagh has donated all royalties from the recent performance of Riverdance in Israel to the Irish Ship to Gaza campaign.

Israel has warned that it will halt the latest foreign aid flotilla heading for Gaza – with former Irish rugby star Trevor Hogan on board.

Irish human rights campaigners who are planning a daring attempt to break the Gaza blockade has vowed to prevent Israeli forces from boarding their ship.

Four Rugby stars have jumped on board for the “Second Freedom Flotilla” campaign, which is in support of the second attempt to break the Gaza naval blockade in Israel.
 
Gordon Darcy, Eoin Reddan, Trevor Hogan and John Fogarty have posted a video on YouTube expressing their support for an aid flotilla trying to access land and sea in Gaza.
 
This is the second attempt by an Irish ship to do so. The first Freedom Flotilla was attacked by Israel marines in international waters that left nine human rights activists dead. The Irish ship to Gaza website says that it was believed to be an effort by Israel to intimidate international activists trying to break the siege.
 
This has in no way affected the efforts of activists. The Irish ship, as well as other ships representing other countries, is preparing to embark on the flotilla by next week.

this week.



READ MORE- Call for aid on latest Irish Gaza flotilla effort

Doctor Fintan Lane, the Irish peace activist who embroiled in the Israeli raid on aid ships to Gaza last year, has called the findings of an Israeli report into the attack a public relations exercise.

John Ging, the director of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza to take up a senior position in the UN in New York.

Read more: Call for aid on latest Irish Gaza flotilla effort

The group who are raising funds, and building awareness, for the next Irish aid ship, to travel with the flotilla to the Gaza Strip, are calling for support.
 
The Irish Ship to Gaza Campaign is looking for help in equipping the aid vessel which will just another 15 ships from around the world in trying to break the Gaza blockade.
 
Earlier this year, in March, the first Freedom Flotilla made international headlines when it was attacked by Israeli security forces. Nine human rights activists on board the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara were killed.
 
Michele Garrett and John Mallon, Belfast fundraisers, told Belfast Media that it was “vitally important” for people to give their support.
 
Mallon said “We are calling on all political parties, community groups, youth groups, student bodies, everyone, to do what they can for this aid ship…We’re aware that in the current financial times money is tight for everyone, but every donation towards the aid ship will help, from 50p to £50.  Whether you want to hold a cake sale or a sponsored walk, every effort will be very welcome and vitally important to the people of Gaza.”
 
The plan is that 25 people including two Irish politicians and two from Northern Ireland will travel on the ship.
 
“We’re appealing now for people to come forward and help.  Anyone with a interest in helping the people of Gaza needs to be a part of it,” said Garrett.
 
“1.5million people in Gaza have effectively been imprisoned by the Israeli blockade with essential medical aid and supplies being prevented from getting through to the people that need it.  For example, parts to repair special Breast Cancer screening units in Gaza are being blocked from coming in.”
 
Visit irishshiptogaza.org for information on how to support the cause.