UPDATE: Laois nurse supporting Irish families of detainees of Gaza Flotilla

The Laois nurse who was part of the Irish contingent on the Global Sumad Flotilla to Gaza was unable to sail but is aiding Irish families of the detained activists.

Helen Lawlor from Mountmellick who also took part in the attempted desert March to Gaza, was ready to sail on a boat, but it was deemed unseaworthy.

Back home, she spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live on Thursday, October 2 after Israeli forces had illegally boarded 39 boats and taken passengers, leaving just one sailing towards Gaza. 

"My boat was called La Brezza. The night before the engine couldn't be repaired well enough to sail. It had to be safety first, it happened to a few of the boats. There were three of us from Ireland to go on it. It was a bit of a disappointment but the whole point is that boats were going.

"I'm a coordinator now for the Irish delegation. I'm helping organise things in the background and keeping in touch with families.

"We are concentrating now on getting everyone home safe," the Laois nurse said.

The last ship left is approaching Gaza.

"It is 100 nautical miles out from Gaza now. If it keeps its speed, it will reach the Red Zone by 9pm tonight, which is what Israel claim to be their waters. All the boats were taken from international waters. Eye witnesses are saying that IOS vessels will pick it up, but it will keep sailing as long as possible.

"Another flotilla has left Italy. The Thousands Madleens and the Freedom Flotilla Coalition will sail, that's hundreds of people. A medical and journalists boat is leaving this week as well," she said.

Helen said that support and awareness of the latest attempt is "100% stronger" than the attempt to march to Gaza. That mission last June saw Helen like all others beaten and forced to end their march in Egypt.

"In Dublin there's hundreds on the street today doing blockades. People have reacted worldwide, in Italy, in many countries. It will keep happening. There will be wave after wave.

"It is amazing, the people we have met, everyone one the flotilla. Their bravery in their messages, they knew this was coming but they were so calm and determined. We are in contact with their families and they are all so worried, but I am sure we will get them all home safe. 

"The important thing is we want everyone home safe. They went knowing this would happen, they had training that they would all be processed and detained and deported. The point is to try and make that corridor of aid to Gaza from the sea.

"We're doing as normal people what the Irish government can do, send aid by sea. They choose not to because Israel say it's their waters. But the second that Israel boarded those boats, they were breaching human rights, they were spraying chemicals and water cannons, and rolling the boats. What they are doing is illegal so it's an attack."

She said that Gazans were on the shore worried that they only had lentils to offer the sailors when they landed.

"That tells you what they are like, they were worried about trying to show hospitality," she said. 

Helen is prepared to take part again in another effort to reach the beseiged city.

"100%. It's horrifying what's going on. It's scarier to think that this is all ok. If a genocide is tolerated what's ahead for everyone?" she asks.

Helen is asking for action by the Irish Government.

"Our government needs to make sure they are held accountable for attacking its citizens. It's piracy, it's actually kidnapping. But whatever happens with the boats it's nothing compared to what Gaza is going through every second.

Read also: Grannies for Gaza huge blanket displayed in Laois

"We want Ireland to stop trading with Israel. Ireland is the second highest trader in the EU yet we're known for standing in solidarity with Palestine. That reputation of ireland we are proud of is coming from the people, not from what the Government do. We also ask that they stop letting Shannon airport be used to fuel war planes and ship weapons. It's insane. 

"We demand the safe immediate return of people who have literally risked their lives to make people in power act. This is a genocide," she said.