Tipperary woman caught in suspected drone attack on Gaza aid flotilla

A Tipperary woman is among three Irish activists caught up in suspected drone attacks on boats taking part in an international flotilla bound for Gaza.

Tara Sheehy, from Co Tipperary, is travelling aboard the Alma as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is carrying food and medicine in an attempt to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. 

Tadhg Hickey, a comedian from Co Cork and Fra Hughes, from Belfast, are among international group travelling aboard the Alma. 

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On Tuesday night, the Alma was struck by an incendiary device believed to have been dropped from a drone during night watch. Video footage showed flames breaking out on the top deck of the boat.

It was the second attack in as many nights, after another vessel carrying activists – including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg – was also targeted.

The flotilla’s organisers released photographs of the charred device and described the attacks as “an orchestrated attempt to distract and derail our mission”.

Speaking after the incident, activists urged the Irish Government to act. They called on Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris to demand safe passage for the flotilla and to protect Irish citizens on board.

The Global Movement to Gaza Éire said:

“The Irish Government has a duty to uphold international law and protect Irish citizens. Attacks on Irish citizens or any of the flotilla’s vessels, and the forced starvation of the people of Gaza, are all breaches of international law.”

The flotilla is carrying humanitarian supplies, including baby formula and vital medicines, to Gaza. Despite the attacks, the group says they will press on with their journey.

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is monitoring developments.

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