Israel heavy handedness

Committee Hears Compelling Evidence of Israel’s Heavy Handedness from Gaza Deportee


3rd June 2010

Israeli forces employed excessive force against those aboard ships attempting to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza, the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs was told today.

The Committee heard from Shane Dillion, who was on the “Challenger 1” which was stormed by Israeli troops. Mr Dillion was seized and subsequently deported. He returned to Ireland on Tuesday. He told Committee members that Israeli forces used tazars, paintball guns and smashed windows.

The Israeli ambassador, Dr Zion Evrony had been due to appear at today’s meeting but pulled out citing no specific reason. He also refused to offer a replacement.

Committee Chairman, Dr Michael Woods TD said;
“Today, we heard compelling testimony from Mr Dillon of the pacifist approach taken by the aid activists on board the Challenger 1 and the wholly disproportionate violent reaction from Israeli troops.

We would have liked to have put these claims to the Israeli ambassador but regrettably he failed to fulfil his initial commitment to attend today’s hearing.

The Committee welcomes the very significant gesture by Egypt in deciding to open the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip unconditionally and for an unlimited period of time. This move should allow for the smooth flow of humanitarian and medical aid into Gaza.

We intend to further discuss with the Egyptian Ambassador whether this route could be used to import reconstruction material for the many thousands of homes which were destroyed during Operation Cast Lead. This could be managed in conjunction with the UN in Gaza.”

The Committee held a minute's silence for those killed during the attack. It also agreed to send a message of appreciation to Ireland's Ambassador to Israel, Mr Breifne O'Reilly for his tireless work over the past number of days in providing consular assistance to all Irish citizens who were seized by Israeli forces.