2 October 2025
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has strongly condemned Israel blocking flotilla aid boats from travelling to Gaza.
Israel has intercepted 39 aid boats, with a number of Irish citizens among those detained.
Ms Hanna and SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood were among a number of MPs who signed a letter to UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to express concern around the safety of those travelling as part of the flotilla.
South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said:
“Once again we are seeing Israel blocking much needed aid from getting to Gaza and unlawfully detaining a number of people, among them Irish citizens from across our island, including Belfast.
“This is an absolutely disgraceful act that demands a response from the international community. Israel cannot on one hand champion its supposed ‘peace’ deal with the US, and on the other continue to block life-saving food and medical supplies from reaching people trapped in Gaza. This exposes the hollowness of their claims.
“We need to see a strong intervention from the Irish Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure that all Irish citizens in Israeli custody are treated well and safely returned home. This is another act of aggression from an Israeli Government who have made clear they will not remove their feet from the necks of the Palestinian people.”