Nobel Laureate Mairead Maguire returned safely to Dublin on Monday after being held at a detention centre outside of Tel Aviv. Maguire was detained after Israeli naval commandos intercepted and illegally boarded the Irish cargo ship MV Rachel Corrie in international waters on Saturday. The ship, whose passengers included Maguire, former UN assistant secretary-general Denis Halliday and other Irish and Malaysian activists, was attempting to bring humanitarian supplies to blockaded Gaza.

Though their attempts were stymied, they remain determined to step up their efforts to end the illegal blockade imposed by the Israeli government. Another aid flotilla will be making its way to Gaza within weeks.

The MV Rachel Corrie was the last ship that was part of the Freedom Flotilla attacked by Israel on May 31. The ship had been delayed in port for logistical reasons and was not present at the time of the military assault.

Maguire is calling upon the international community, particularly including the United States and Europe, to uphold international law and to take a stand against Israeli brutality. Upon landing at the Dublin airport, she made an appeal to US President Barack Obama stating, “he has the power to say to the Israeli government, ‘enough is enough, your policy and choice for land is no longer acceptable – you must choose peace.’”

LEARN MORE

Israel deportee calls on U.S and Ireland for support, BBC News, 7 June 2010.

Maguire: Gaza situation a ‘slow genocide’, Breaking News, 7 June 2010.

Nobel laureate in Gaza plea, UTV, 7 June 2010.

Deported Rachel Corrie activists arrive home, The Irish Times, 7 June 2010.

TAKE ACTION

Stand in solidarity with the passengers of the MV Rachel Corrie. Add your name to the public statement of support here.

Join the call for truth, justice and accountability for Gaza. Sign the Avaaz petition calling for an indpendent investigation into the flotilla attack here.

Join the call for an independent investigation into the flotilla attack here.