TDs split on Israel sanctions as Galway activist detained

A majority of Galway TDs are set to oppose or withhold support for proposed sanctions against Israel in a key Dáil vote today (May 20) despite growing public pressure and continued demonstrations across the county calling for stronger action.

Published 20th May 2026, 13:34 BST Dr Margaret Connolly, from Shantalla, a sister of President Catherine Connolly is detained. | Galway Live A majority of Galway TDs are set to oppose or withhold support for proposed sanctions against Israel in a key Dáil vote today (May 20) despite growing public pressure and continued demonstrations across the county calling for stronger action. Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.

The vote comes as Shantalla native and Sligo GP Dr Margaret Connolly is among a group of Irish citizens detained after Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla aid mission bound for Gaza.

The flotilla, involving 54 civilian vessels, departed from Marmaris on May 14 in an effort to establish a humanitarian corridor and challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

The flotilla group said the vessels were encircled by Israeli naval warships in international waters, approximately 250 nautical miles from the coast of Gaza, describing the incident as “another illegal high-seas aggression”.

In a pre recorded video released after the interception Dr Connolly appealed to the Irish Government to enact the Occupied Territories Bill “without fail”. .

“I have been kidnapped from my boat in the flotilla by Israeli occupying forces and am now being held illegally in an Israeli prison,” she said.

“I am so proud to be taking part in this flotilla. It is the largest to date. Thousands of people all over the world have volunteered their services...to bring much needed aid and medical supplies to the people of Gaza.”

I feel utterly compelled as a mother, a doctor and a human being to help with this flotilla.

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Speaking in London during a meeting with King Charles at Buckingham Palace this week, President Connolly told reporters she had received limited information about her sister’s detention.

“It is quite upsetting,” she said. “I am very worried about her and concerned about her colleagues on board.”

Yesterday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris condemned Israel’s detention of Dr Connolly.

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Critics of the Government’s approach argue Ireland has failed to follow through on years of strong rhetoric regarding Palestinian rights.

Of Galway’s eight TDs and Ministers, only two are backing measures aimed at sanctioning Israel on May 20, according to campaigners behind the website 'Vote to Sanction Israel', which has urged constituents to contact their representatives ahead of the vote.

It is quite upsetting, I am very worried about her and concerned about her colleagues on board.”

Under the declared positions published by the campaign, Galway West Sinn Féin TD Mairéad Farrell and Galway East Sinn Féin TD Louis O’Hara will vote in favour of sanctions. The remaining Galway representatives are expected to vote against the measure or withhold support.

They include Deputies Albert Dolan (FF), Peter Roche (FG), Minister of State Seán Canney (Ind), Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton (FG), Deputy John Connolly (FF), and Minister of State Noel Grealish (Ind).

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The proposed legislation, which activists say has remained stalled for years, comes amid renewed calls for Ireland to take action.

Campaigners argue the vote will test whether Irish politicians are willing to match public sentiment with policy.

“Israel has broken international law after international law,” one campaign spokesperson said in a statement released this week.

“They act with impunity. They are committing a genocide. The least our TDs can do is vote to sanction them. This bill has been on the table for eight years,” the campaign statement said.

“For eight years we’ve let Israel get away with murder, literally.”

Related topics: Israel Free Palestine Gaza Simon Harris Micheal Martin Government Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.