Leitrim author Naoise Dolan who was imprisoned by Israeli forces has been released from custody today and transferred to Jordan.
A spokesperson for the flotilla confirmed that all members have now been released from Israeli custody.
“All participants in the Thousands Madleens Flotilla and the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s Conscience Mission have been released from unlawful Israeli detention, and most have now been deported. No participant remains in Israel’s custody,” the spokesperson said.
Dozens of participants were deported via Jordan earlier today.
Last month Naoise spoke to the Leitrim Observer ahead of the mission.
She stressed: "We keep doing it because Palestinians in Gaza are going through so much worse and attacked so much more often in so many brutal ways and the promise is that we will stand with them no matter what. The flotilla is as much about that as anything; showing them that they are not alone and that someone cares and is willing to sacrifice in order to stand with them."
Naoise added: "While we are hoping to get our aid to Gaza, we are also aware that it's really just a drop in the ocean compared to what is needed so in the longer term, we need a situation where aid isn't required; we need the blocade to be ended and for Palestinians to have self determination and that won't come just with the flotilla. It's also about pressuring our government to sanction Israel and defend the human rights of Palestinians."
While Naoise's said that her parents were worried for their daughter's safety, ultimately they supported her decision.
She said: "They are worried as any parent would be but they are supportive at the same time. It has really inspired them at home too. I'm back now because my boat in Tunisia got cancelled and I join another one in Italy next week. I went for a meal with my parents recently and my mother asked if the sparkling water was San Pellegrino. The waiter was curious about this and said she it was part of boycotting Israel and he said that he would talk to his manager. It's things like that that make ripples too. My parents have always had a social conscious and that's definitely something I got from them and they understand."
A total of five Irish citizens were onboard boats in the flotilla.
A statement released today said that Dolan is “safe, unharmed, and will return to Dublin tomorrow" and a welcome gathering will take place at Dublin Airport, Terminal 1 at 4pm tomorrow with her family extending an open invitation to anyone who wants to attend.
Speaking on X, Naoise's brother Mike said: "The struggle for Palestinian liberation continues; while we celebrate Naoises' safe return, we hold close those who remain imprisoned and under siege. Please keep speaking out, donating and amplifying Palestinian voices. Their freedom is our shared responsibility."
