Tanaiste Issues 'Demand' For Saoise Captives' Release

The Tanaiste has issued the Isreali ambassador with a "demand" for the release of the 14 Irish crewmembers held by Isreali authorities after they attempted to bring supplies to Gaza.

After outcry by a number of leftwing lobbyist groups and a number of independent MPs on Wednesday, Eamon Gilmore issued a statement saying he had met with the Israeli Ambassador that night to "press Israel to arrange for the early release of the persons detained"

Mr Gilmore said that seven persons travelling on the MV Saoirse, which was held in international waters by Israeli authorities before the crew were arrested, were due to be deported from Israel on Thursday. A further seven are due to depart tomorrow.

"Our Embassy in Israel has been informed by the Israeli authorities that a problem arose this morning with the carrier which prevented the departure of the group scheduled to leave today," The Tánaiste said.

He added that he had instructed the Embassy to reinforce with the Israeli authorities his "demand for their earliest possible departure".

"While responsibility for the travel arrangements of the persons detained rests with the Israeli authorities, our Embassy is also active in seeking to secure alternative travel arrangements for the persons who were due to leave today."

The Irish Foreign Affairs Minister came under pressure from left wing lobbyists and independent TDs to oppose the holding of the 14 Irish citizens, who were aboard the boat carrying supplies to the Gaza region.

Some five TDs accused Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore of double standards over the detention of the activists, and called for the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland, Boaz Modai, to be expelled over their arrest.

The Irish activists are being held in Givon prison awaiting deportation after being detained on board the MV Saoirse in international waters.

The TDs, Independent Seamus Healy, Socialists Joe Higgins and Clare Daly, and People Before Profit's Richard Boyd Barrett and Joan Collins, said on Wednesday that the Tanaiste must demand the activists' release.

(DW)