Israel detains 13 Irish citizens on Gaza aid flotilla; government condemns action (irishtimes.com)

• 13 Irish citizens detained by Israel from Gaza aid flotilla, including sister of President Catherine Connolly.
• Israeli forces fired on at least two vessels; Israel denies live ammunition use, says no casualties reported.
• Taoiseach and Tánaiste condemn detention as illegal; Harris references Occupied Territories Bill as potential leverage.
• Government to raise issue at EU level, focusing on sanctions against Israeli settlers.
• Opposition parties call for stronger sanctions; Martin says working through ambassadors for release.

"Israel detained 13 Irish citizens, including the sister of President Catherine Connolly, from the Global Sumud Flotilla. Israeli forces opened fire on at least two vessels, though Israel denies using live ammunition. Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris condemned the detentions as illegal and in breach of international law. Harris referenced the Occupied Territories Bill as a potential response. The government plans to raise the issue at EU level, particularly regarding sanctions on settlers."