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MEETING WITH ENVOY:MINISTER FOR Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has condemned Israel’s “unacceptable and disproportionate” use of force against the Gaza-bound aid flotilla, and he accused Israel of “essentially kidnapping” Irish citizens who were aboard ships targeted by the Israeli military.

Mr Martin was speaking after he summoned Israeli ambassador Zion Evrony to a meeting at Iveagh House late yesterday afternoon. He said he told Dr Evrony that the Irish Government wants an independent, international inquiry into the incident. He also called for the unconditional release of Irish citizens detained in Ashdod after they were taken from the flotilla.