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Dearey fears for safety of Rachel Corrie crew
Speaking in the Seanad this afternoon, and referring to Amnesty International's Annual Report on Human Rights, published last week in Dublin, Senator Dearey said: "I fear for the five Irish and six Malaysian citizens on board the Rachel Corrie. It is imperative that the Israel navy set aside its modus operandi and grant safe passage to the ship and crew. The blockade itself is devastating and has meant that four out of every five people in Gaza are dependant on UN aid."
Senator Dearey, who inspected the boat in Dundalk , Co. Louth, before it set sail said: "I have seen the cargo and know the crew. Their mission is humanitarian in nature - their intention and logistical planning is to deliver their cargo to communities, not to Hamas.
"The Israeli blockade is a collective punishment and collective punishment is illegal under the Geneva Convention. It must be lifted and we in Ireland must do all we can to ensure this happens."
