Ireland wages war of words on Israel
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As Israel today began deporting hundreds of people detained during its fatal raid on an aid flotilla, an Irish ship was still sailing full steam ahead for Gaza. The Irish PM threw his weight behind the activists, warning of "serious consequences" if there was a repeat of Monday's violence.
The MV Rachel Corrie, named after an American activist killed in Gaza in 2003, is carrying humanitarian aid and has five Irish nationals onboard. It was originally supposed to be part of the convoy that was raided by Israeli commandos on Monday morning, but was delayed and is currently in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Crete.
The activists onboard have decided to press ahead with their mission to break the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, despite the fate of their colleagues.
Ireland has taken an unusually outspoken position on the issue, formally calling for Israel to grant the Irish ship safe passage. Prime Minister Brian Cowen told parliament yesterday: "Any harm caused to any of our citizens will have the most serious consequences."
Seven Irish nationals were detained by Israel in Monday's raid prompting a public outcry and stern words from the republic's politicians. Foreign Minister Micheál Martin accused Israel of violating international law.
"The seven individuals concerned did not enter Israel illegally; rather they were essentially seized from international waters, taken into Israel and asked to sign documents that they entered illegally," he said.
Despite warnings from Israel that it too will be intercepted, the Rachel Corrie remains on its course, with Ireland and much of the world holding its breath hoping that there will be no repeat of Monday's bloodshed.
