Eleven Irish citizens who were detained after Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla have returned to Dublin following their deportation. The group had been part of a larger convoy of more than 50 boats carrying aid toward Gaza when armed naval commandos stopped the vessels in international waters west of Cyprus. Fourteen Irish people were among hundreds of activists detained.
The activists were first sent to Turkey before flying home to Ireland, where more than 400 supporters gathered to welcome them at the airport. Several participants said they had anticipated possible detention but were shocked by what they described as the level of force used during the operation.
The incident sparked international criticism after Israel's National Security Minister posted a video appearing to show detained activists kneeling with their hands restrained. Ireland's prime minister described the footage as shocking and said it had intensified anger across Europe. Israel defended the interception, stating it would not allow any breach of its naval blockade on Gaza and dismissing the flotilla as a publicity stunt.

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