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Irish activists who arrived to Ireland late on Monday night have said they were treated with “petty and extreme cruelties” by Israeli authorities and endured “really unpleasant” conditions while they were detained. Sarah Clancy, Thomas McCune and Donna Schwarz were the first to arrive to Ireland after being detained alongside 13 other Irish citizens following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla last week. […] “For example, Greta Thunberg was made to kneel beside an Israeli flag while people marched around her, taking her photo,” she said. They were subsequently brought to Ktzi’ot Prison, she said, where they were subject...

Three of 15 Irish citizens held by Israel after it intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla returned to Dublin Airport before midnight. Thomas McCune, Sarah Clancy and Donna Schwartz were welcomed at the airport by family, friends and supporters. They were given a change of clothes, rehydration packs, water and essential medications when they arrived. The 15 Irish left Tel Aviv for Athens in Greece yesterday. […] Niamh MacNamara, coordinator with Global Movement to Gaza Éire, said the Irish Government’s “inaction” had “directly led to this situation, ordinary Irish citizens forced to risk their lives because leaders refused to act”. She...

An international flotilla aiming to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza reported increased drone activity early Wednesday as it approached the region. “We have now entered the high-risk zone, the area where previous flotillas have been attacked and/or intercepted,” the Global Sumud Flotilla announced via Telegram. The flotilla, named Global Sumud, departed Barcelona last month with the stated goal of delivering aid to Gaza and challenging Israel’s security cordon. Global Sumud resumed its voyage Sunday after undergoing repairs in Greek waters. Organizers announced that Greek vessels had joined the mission, bringing the total number of civilian boats to 47. Organizers...