Irish President Catherine Connolly's sister has been detained by Israeli forces among the Gaza-bound Global Sumud flotilla activists, according to media reports.
Margaret Connolly was among at least six Irish citizens aboard the aid flotilla attacked and intercepted by Israel, the Irish Independent reported.
According to the Global Sumud Flotilla, 10 boats from a 60-vessel convoy were boarded by Israeli forces in international waters earlier on Monday.
Organisers said the interception occurred about 130 kilometres off the coast of Cyprus.
The flotilla released a pre-recorded video from Connolly, in which she stated: "If you are watching this video, it means I have been kidnapped from my boat... by the Israeli occupying forces, and I’m now being held illegally in an Israeli prison."
The Irish Foreign Ministry has said it is monitoring the situation and will provide consular assistance.
President reacts
Speaking to reporters in London, President Connolly said she is "very proud" of her sister.
"It seems like this happened in international waters and it’s a cause of worry really," she added, noting she has no further information other than what has been reported.
The Israeli army has intercepted the fleet and detained around 100 activists as the mission sought to break the blockade on the Palestinian enclave.
The flotilla, consisting of more than 50 boats, set sail Thursday from the Turkish district of Marmaris.
Organisers have confirmed the mission included 426 participants from 40 countries, including Türkiye, the UK, and the US.
This follows a similar attack on April 29 off the coast of Crete.
