22.05.2026 12:01
Irish activists detained after Israel's intervention in the Global Sumud Fleet carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza described the mistreatment they experienced. Margaret Connolly, sister of the Irish President, said, "I experienced three days that felt like five years of my life," describing the conditions they endured as "barbaric and inhumane." Connolly recounted being left without water and medication for days.
Irish activists of the Global Sumud Fleet, who set sail to break Israel's blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, recounted their experiences after being detained.
THE SISTER OF THE IRISH PRESIDENT WAS AMONG THEM
Margaret Connolly, a 67-year-old general practitioner and sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly, stated that they were sailing in international waters as a fleet aiming to deliver food, fuel, and medical aid to Gaza.
"THREE DAYS OF MY LIFE THAT FELT LIKE FIVE YEARS"
Emphasizing that they had undertaken a peaceful mission and were unarmed, Connolly said:
"We had been detained by military forces for three days. I only had a cardigan and a sweater on. I had never been on a ship before. It was a huge, immense experience for me. Three days of my life that felt like five years."
"50 PEOPLE SLEPT SIDE BY SIDE IN A DIRTY CONTAINER"
Dr. Connolly stated that about 50 people slept side by side in a "dirty container" for three days without food and water, and added that they were not even given soap or toilet paper.
"THEY TOOK MY MEDICATIONS, THERE WASN'T A SINGLE PAINKILLER"
Describing her experiences over the past three days as "barbaric, cruel, and ugly," Connolly noted:
"I speak from my heart. I have never seen such an ugly, disgusting control by an army. The conditions were terrible. There was nothing to clean the wounds. We had countless electroshock burns on our backs and organs. My diabetes, blood pressure, and asthma medications were withheld. I didn't have a single painkiller for these injuries."
Emphasizing that the lands they aimed to reach on their expedition "have belonged to Palestinians for thousands of years," Dr. Connolly said, "I am furious that the Zionist Israeli state remains unpunished and treats the Palestinian people, who have done no wrong, so cruelly. How can you condone the killing of babies, the destruction of hospitals, the death of tiny babies in incubators from lack of oxygen? How can you burn the tents where people live with their children in their arms?"
REACTION TO THE IRISH GOVERNMENT: SHAME ON YOU
Connolly, who said the Irish government follows pro-Israel policies and has disappointed her, used the phrase "Shame on you" for the government leaders she accused of "complicity in genocide."
Connolly recalled that they received support from the Turkish government during their evacuation from Israel and thanked Turkey.
"WE WILL RECOVER, RETURN HOME, AND TRY AGAIN"
Irish activist Michael Cullen stated that they had undertaken a humanitarian aid mission consistent with international law and non-violent, but the Israeli army "fired plastic bullets at the boat in international waters and in broad daylight," during which some of their friends were hit.
Describing how they were taken to a prison ship belonging to the Israeli army after the intervention, Cullen said, "It was a very frightening situation. When we arrived, we were all beaten," and added that they spent the night in a metal container.
Cullen reported that "even women were beaten" by Israeli law enforcement when they reached the shore, and said:
"I have never heard so many people screaming and crying, and I have never seen that joy in the eyes of Israelis while inflicting pain on people. Seeing such evil is truly nauseating."
Stating that they hoped to bring the Palestinian issue back to the world's attention, Cullen said, "We will recover, return home, and try again, but the Palestinian people are not receiving enough media coverage."
Noting that Israel is becoming "bolder and more aggressive," Cullen said, "Israel must be held accountable, and every person in the world must do their best to bring Israel to justice."