Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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21. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the current welfare and position of the Irish nationals detained by Israel following their being detained after participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla. [53801/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that the Irish citizens detained in Israel following their participation on the Global Sumud Flotilla have been released and are currently on their way home.

This welcome outcome was secured after a weekend of intensive efforts by officials from across my Department, including the Embassy team in Tel Aviv, working in conjunction with international partners.

I know that this has been a difficult time for both the Irish citizens and their families, and I pay tribute to their resilience throughout. Dublin-based officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade remain in close contact with family members who have requested our support, and will continue to update them.

I am aware of a number of Irish citizens participating in other Flotillas en route to Gaza and have instructed my Department to closely monitor that evolving situation. While my Department continues to advise against travel to the Gaza Strip, in this case our clear priority is to ensure the welfare of our citizens.

Over the past number of weeks, I have repeatedly stated that I understand that the peaceful efforts of those on board reflect an understandable desire by many people around the world to urgently address the humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza. Ireland will continue to call for all efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas, and unhindered humanitarian access to the people of Gaza at scale.