Irish foreign minister warns Israeli ambassador on use of military action against flotilla

(pic: Irish Ship to Gaza launch press conference)

From Irish Ship to Gaza

Israel has been called on to avoid military force against human rights activists who will next week attempt to break the Gaza blockade.

Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore said he has told Israeli Ambassador to Ireland, Boaz Modai, that any interception of the flotilla must be peaceful.

Nine people were killed last year when commandos stormed the MV Marmara, a Turkish aid ship trying to break the naval blockade. The Irish-owned MV Saoirse will sail with up to a dozen other aid vessels next week as part of Freedom Flotilla II.

Mr Gilmore said he can not advise any Irish national to participate in a venture which potentially brings them into harm’s way.” I emphasised, however, to the Ambassador that if the flotilla does sail next week, then Israel must exercise all possible restraint and avoid any use of military force if attempting to uphold their naval blockade,” said Mr Gilmore, the foreign affairs minister. more

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