(MENAFN) Ireland’s Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Micheál Martin has strongly criticized Israel’s recent assault on the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, describing it as a "breach of international maritime law."

Speaking before the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen on Thursday, Martin responded to questions about the legality of the incident, affirming: “If it happened in international waters, then yes.”

Martin clarified that the flotilla’s purpose was purely humanitarian, stressing that it posed “no threat to anybody other than to highlight and also to bring humanitarian aid into the people of Gaza.”

He further underscored the urgent need for relief deliveries into the Gaza Strip, calling it an “absolute imperative” to ensure such aid reaches civilians as swiftly as possible.

Reiterating Ireland’s support for those involved, Martin stated that consular services will be made available to detained individuals, highlighting the “importance” of ensuring they are treated “properly.”

According to the organizers of the mission, Israeli naval forces intercepted and forcibly boarded the aid flotilla en route to Gaza, detaining 223 activists on board.

This military intervention targeted a convoy of 15 vessels aiming to deliver relief supplies to the blockaded Palestinian enclave.

The Global Sumud Flotilla shared via the US social media platform Instagram the identities and nationalities of all 223 detained individuals.

The passengers hailed from a wide range of countries, including Spain, Italy, Brazil, Turkey, Greece, the United States, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom, France, and several others.

MENAFN02102025000045017167ID1110141596