The illegal boarding and interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza led hundreds to mobilise onto Dublin’s streets.
Forty-four vessels forming the Global Sumud Flotillas set sail from Italy, Spain, Tunisia and Greece, headed to open a humanitarian corridor into Gaza. Starting on the night of October 1st, all vessels were intercepted and boarded by the Israeli military. Notably, 15 Irish citizens were aboard the vessels, alongside hundreds of other foreign nationals, and are currently being detained by Israel.
In response, groups including UCD BDS mobilised to the Dáil at 12:30pm for an emergency demonstration. Multiple opposition speakers, such as Catherine Connolly, Paul Murphy, and Mary Lou McDonald called for action by the Irish government.
After speeches concluded at the Dáil, protesters marched toward Dublin Port. About 200 protesters sat at an intersection on the M50 before mobilising at the Port's entrance, creating a blockade that disrupted citywide traffic. News reports advised those travelling within Dublin to avoid Sandymount, Ringsend, Drumcondra, Irishtown, and Pearse Street due to the blockade. The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) reported that hundreds of freight trucks experienced delays.
Later that night, following a four-hour blockade, the Gardaí began to physically remove protestors. This involved forcibly dragging, lifting, and pushing several members of the crowd from the street.
Globally, these protestors do not stand alone, as multiple other protests in Athens, London, Berlin, Madrid, Paris, and throughout Italy were seen to rally massive support. Riots broke out in multiple cities across Europe, as well as among workers in Italy who are on strike in protest of Israel’s assault on the Flotilla. Movements calling for action by the EU and Irish government have not halted.
On October 4th, there is set to be another large demonstration for Palestine. The National March for Palestine will begin at 12.30 pm tomorrow, gathering at the Garden of Remembrance. On their Instagram account, IPSC stated that is march will “[commemorate] two years of apartheid Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people,” along with, “two years of our government not only not imposing sanctions but actually deeping our complicity.” UCD BDS, alongside other student organisations such as TCD BDS and the Student Neutrality Front, are set to attend.