Irish activist Catriona Graham said she 'could not stay silent' after shouting 'free, free, Palestine' as Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir walked past her in a detention facility. Graham was among hundreds of activists detained after attempting to deliver aid to Gaza by boat as part of an international flotilla.

Video shared by Ben-Gvir showed him confronting and taunting kneeling activists with their hands tied. Graham said she was pushed down and later placed in isolation surrounded by armed personnel, describing the situation as dangerous though not as violent as what others allegedly experienced. She claimed some activists reported serious mistreatment.

The flotilla, which included more than 400 people from over 40 countries, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces in international waters. Israel said it would not allow any breach of its naval blockade of Gaza and dismissed the mission as a publicity stunt. All detained foreign activists have since been deported.

Irish officials confirmed that the detained Irish citizens are now safe in Turkey and receiving consular support. Organisers said the boats were carrying food, baby formula and medical supplies for Gaza, where humanitarian conditions remain severe following months of war triggered by the October 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas and Israel's subsequent military campaign.