Two Irish peace activists deported by Israel for attempting to bring aid to Gaza tonight vowed to appeal the decision and urged the Government to support them.
Nobel laureate Mairead Maguire and former soldier Derek Graham, who arrived back in Ireland this evening, were detained last week on board a boatload of humanitarian supplies en route from Cyprus.
Arriving in Dublin airport, the pair said they were delighted to be home but claimed they would return and continue aid efforts.
“I’m just delighted to be home,” Ms Maguire said. “I’m sorry that we were deported from Israel and we intend to appeal our deportation. I hope the Irish Government will support it.”
The pair were stopped 24 miles from shore and taken into custody by Israeli authorities.
Mr Graham said the Israeli authorities treated them well and did not harm them. He said Israeli special forces soldiers boarded their humanitarian vessel, which he claimed was in international waters, and took the boat to Israel.
The former Defence Forces member said he would not be put off by the experience, vowing to return. “I’ve been in and out of Gaza six times already, this is what I do,” he said.
The pair were welcomed at the airport by friends and supporters from the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign. They held the Palestinian flag aloft and cheered as they arrived.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin led calls for the pair to be released and for border crossings and trade links with Gaza to be re-opened. They were effectively shut down by Israel after the military offensive in Gaza in December and January.
Ms Maguire (65), winner of the Noble Peace Prize and Pacem in Terris Award for her work in the North, and Mr Graham (40) were detained with 21 passengers and crew.
PA