The Taoiseach has condemned the interception in international waters by the Israeli military of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza earlier this week.
Speaking in Athlone, Micheál Martin said it was not acceptable.
"I want to condemn the seizure of the flotilla in what appears to be international waters, it's not acceptable.
"I think the international community have to call it out and we will be raising it at European level.
"Israel has to abide by international law and the rule of law," he said.
It is understood that seven Irish citizens who were among the 175 people detained, were released this morning.
Earlier, the daughter of Irish man Robert Murphy, who was on the flotilla, said his family is anxious to hear from him.
Natalie Murphy said she and her family have not been in contact with him since Wednesday night.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, she said her father has been involved with the flotilla for a year and departed a month ago from Barcelona.
"We have been in contact every day. He has been able to WhatsApp us, send us messages, keep us updated on the progress," she said.
Ms Murphy said that was "all going fine until Wednesday night", adding that the family have not heard from him since 10pm that night.
She said her father was never really involved in politics before taking part in the flotilla.
"But I think just seeing the ongoing devastation and genocide against the Palestinian people really, really angered him.
"Particularly, the children. The poor defenceless children who can’t protect themselves just really ignited this fire in his belly."
Ms Murphy said her father had been looking for a way to contribute and described his actions as "so admirable" and said she was "so proud".
"He is definitely on the right side of history, but you can't help but feel anxious. Can’t help but worry what is going to happen … the unexpected can happen," she said.
When asked if she told him not to go, she said: "He really wanted to do this but there is only so much you can say to somebody."
Watch: Irish woman describes interception of Gaza aid flotilla by Israel
Ms Murphy said the family had seen rumours on social media that boats had been intercepted by drones and boarded by men with guns.
She said her family have been following the Global Sumud Flotilla tracker online.
"His boat, the boat he was on, called the Magic Boat, it just went silent," she said.
Ms Murphy said they are in contact with the organisers, who said they are assuming that if there has been no contact for four hours, that it was intercepted.
"We weren’t able to get through to him on the phone … we have just assumed at that point that he had been captured," she added.
She said being boarded in darkness "with a gun in your face must be so terrifying".
"We still haven't actually spoken to him, which we are so anxious to just hear from him at this point," she said.
Ms Murphy said she understands that the boat is being taken to Crete, and that the aim is that they will be released this morning, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Ms Murphy said she was astounded that she has not heard a public statement from the Government on this after "Irish citizens were captured unlawfully".
"There has been absolute silence … it is really difficult … when you are in this situation with your dad, it is really upsetting to feel like your Government hasn't backed you in that regard. We are angry about it," she said.
In a post on X, the Minister for Foreign Affairs condemned the seizure of the flotilla vessels.
Helen McEntee said she was calling on "the Israeli authorities to immediately release all Irish citizens detained during this operation, to uphold their obligations under international law, and to guarantee the safety and welfare of all those on board."
I condemn the seizure of vessels participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters off the coast of Greece.
— Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) May 1, 2026
Yesterday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is providing consular assistance to impacted Irish citizens
In a statement, the department added that it is "actively monitoring the situation regarding the Global Sumud Flotilla and are engaging with the relevant authorities".
The sister of President Catherine Connolly, Margaret Connolly, is on board one of the vessels that is part of the flotilla.
It is understood that the ship she is on was not intercepted by Israeli forces and is still sailing towards Greece.
Additional reporting Sinéad Hussey
