Catherine Connolly’s sister joins latest Gaza flotilla

“We are prepared to be arrested."

The Sligo-based GP is taking part in Global Sumud Flotilla's attempt to deliver life-saving aid to Gaza and challenge the naval blockade.

Dr Connolly hails from Shantalla in Galway is one of President Connolly's 13 siblings.

The GSF mission includes over 1,000 participants and over 80 vessels. It will be the biggest civilian effort to challenge the naval blockade yet.

Dr Connolly is a longtime activist, and spoke to The Sligo Champion about why she was joining the efforts.

"We cannot stand by while millions are subjected to forced starvation and an illegal siege," she told the outlet.

“The flotilla is a powerful symbol of international solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, who are enduring an ongoing genocide and an inhumane blockade now approaching its 18th year.

“Palestinian civil society has been clear in its demands for a just resolution based on international law; an end to the occupation, full rights for Palestinian citizens in Israel, and the implementation of the Right of Return for Palestinian refugees.

“And today we all know that the vast majority of people in Ireland stand with the Palestinian people in their struggle for their legitimate rights, including the right to self-determination and the establishment of a free, independent and sovereign state of Palestine.

“Our flotilla sails to deliver hope. We are sailing to Gaza to break the 18-year Israeli naval blockade, deliver urgent humanitarian aid, and demonstrate international solidarity with Palestinians facing famine and ongoing conflict."

Dr Connolly explained that she is acting as the medic on her vessell, where she will be alongside four other Irish people, as well as US, Scottish and Norwegian nationals.

She went on to explain that her team is prepared to be arrested, and that they have been trained in what to do if the IDF boards their boat.

“They (Israeli Defence Forces) have no right to board our boat," she explained.

"If they do then we will offer no resistence. We will put our hands in the air and there will be no violence from us. We will offer no excuse to the IDF to shoot us.

“We have had training in what to do if the IDF board our boat. We have been told they will board us using helicopters and boats and we have had training in mock exercises for this but it will be nothing to what is likely to happen."

Dr Connolly added: “We are prepared to be arrested but we will obey and we will not react or give any cause for them to shoot or beat us.”