Latest news with #DeirdreMurphy
Irish Independent
07-06-2025
- Irish Independent
‘Send her home' – son of Irish woman in Israeli detention pleads for her release
©UK Independent Today at 21:30 The son of a 70-year-old Irish woman currently in Israeli detention has pleaded for her release amid concerns over his mother's health. Deirdre Murphy, who has eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, was detained in the recently demolished West Bank village of Khalet al-Daba'a.
Arab News
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
70-year-old Irish woman detained in Israel as son urges authorities to ‘send her home'
LONDON: The son of a 70-year-old Irish woman detained by Israeli authorities has issued a plea for her release, citing urgent concerns over her health and wellbeing, The Independent newspaper reported on Friday. Deirdre Murphy, an Irish activist originally from Cork and now based in Swansea, was arrested last week in the West Bank village of Khalet Al-Daba'a, which was recently demolished by Israeli bulldozers. She remains in custody at the Givon Prison in Ramla after choosing to challenge a deportation order issued against her, The Independent added. Her son, Dale Ryan, called on Israeli authorities to ensure that she is treated 'with dignity and respect' and urged them to 'send her home quickly,' adding that he is 'really proud' of his mother. 'Israel is meant to be a civilized country, so you think (the detainees') basic rights would have been met. But maybe that trust is a little bit misguided,' Ryan told The Independent. Ryan said that Murphy suffers from bronchiectasis, a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the airways in the lungs. 'Stress can make symptoms worse as well,' he said. 'So I am a little bit concerned. I just hope my mother's in good health, but also my mother is quite a resilient person. I know she will gain strength from this.' Murphy was detained alongside Swedish national Susanne Bjork, 48, who told the newspaper that the pair were denied access to a toilet during their initial detention. 'Who doesn't allow a 70-year-old woman to go to the toilet? It's certainly not something a democratic country would be doing,' Bjork said. She has since been deported from Israel. Israeli police did not respond to the allegation when approached by The Independent. According to the International Solidarity Movement, Murphy has not had legal counsel since Monday. The group also alleges that she was brought to a deportation hearing on Wednesday without legal representation and without her lawyer being notified, despite her request. The two women had been in Khalet Al-Daba'a filming and monitoring settler activity when they were approached by a settler in military uniform, who demanded to see their passports. Bjork said that they were complying with orders to leave the area when they were apprehended. Authorities later accused the women of being in a restricted area and of failing to show ID, allegations the Swedish woman rejects. 'These are completely false accusations,' she said. 'As soon as they told us we were not allowed in the area, we tried to leave. The soldiers had at first our passports, and then the police took our passports. We complied with all instructions.' Video footage obtained by The Independent shows armed Israeli personnel holding the women's passports. The video ends before they were detained by the settler. The women were released briefly on Saturday evening and then detained again after refusing to leave the country voluntarily. Murphy opted to fight her deportation, while Bjork agreed to depart. Bjork added that their treatment in custody stood in stark contrast to the treatment of Palestinians, describing seeing 'two small boys who were blindfolded and zip-tied' brought into the police station. 'They looked about 13 or 14, these boys were obviously terrified. I mean, we were getting water and being fed and everything, so we're very privileged in one way, because the way we were treated and the way Palestinians are treated is wildly different,' she said. A spokesperson for Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed to The Independent that consular assistance is being provided in Murphy's case. Israeli police told the newspaper that the women had been detained on 'suspicion of violating a military order' and were barred from the West Bank for 15 days. 'Over the weekend, police received a report from the security coordinator of the community of Ma'on regarding the presence of several suspicious individuals near a structure in the area of Khirbet Al-Dab'a, located within an active military firing zone near the community of Avigayil in the South Hebron Hills,' they said. 'Officers from the Hebron station, along with IDF forces from the subdistrict, arrived at the scene and identified the individuals as two foreign nationals, who were present within the closed military zone in violation of a standing military order. Information provided by the Judea and Samaria Central Investigations Unit (YAMAR) indicated that one of the suspects are known abroad for involvement in anti-Israel activity. 'Following the hearing on Sunday, it was determined that both individuals would be removed from the country,' the statement continued. 'One of the suspects agreed to the removal order and signed a declaration stating that she would not appeal the decision. The second notified authorities of her intent to file a petition against the decision.' They confirmed Murphy will remain in custody until 'her departure or the legal resolution of her appeal.'
BBC News
06-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Pro-Palestine activist from Swansea detained in West Bank
The son of a Pro-Palestinian activist has said he "remains in the dark" after she was detained in the occupied West Murphy, who lives in Swansea, has been held in custody since 31 May when she was arrested in a southern part of the 70-year-old, originally from Cork, Ireland, had been volunteering with the pro-Palestinian activist group International Solidary Movement (ISM) at the time of her arrest. The Israeli government has been approached for Bell, Labour MP for Swansea West, said he would do everything he can "to support a swift and just resolution" after raising concerns about Ms Murphy's access to legal representation. The West Bank - the land between the eastern edge of Israel and the western side of the River Jordan - is home to an estimated three million Palestinians. Israel has occupied the West Bank since the Six Day War of 1967 and is continuing to build settlements which Palestinians want as part of any future state. These are regarded as illegal under international law although Israel rejects this Israel has military control of the West Bank, the Oslo Accords of 1995 gave the Palestinian Authority some administrative and security control over certain Murphy's son Dale Ryan told Radio Wales Breakfast his mother was "doing OK" but he remained "in the dark" about when he would see her was arrested last Saturday before being taken to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, according to her son. He said she was then moved to Givon Prison in Ramla where she has been held since 3 June."She was detained after being accused of being in a military zone," said Mr Ryan."Her and another woman, Susanne Björk, who are there with the ISM, were being questioned by the army." According to Irish broadcaster RTÉ, the pair were complying with the order before Israeli settlers, wearing military uniforms, called the Ryan, who lives on the Gower peninsula, said his mother was brought to a hearing on Wednesday "without any representation.""There is a lawyer acting on her behalf. Because it's not a trial, they would have been there more as a witness, but she was denied access to her lawyer." said Mr Ryan said he had not "personally" spoken to his mothers since the arrest - instead receiving updates from her lawyer and ISM. "My mother is quite a resilient person," he said."But as the days go on, she is becoming fatigued, and probably a bit anxious about the whole situation."Mr Ryan said his mother has some chest problems, which is "concerning for us", and he is desperate to "know she is in good health."According to an ISM press release, Ms Murphy has been involved as an activist in the region for over two decades and has been based in Swansea since the 1980s."She went to Palestine in 2004 after setting up a fundraiser where we walked around the Gower in four days," according to Mr said she wanted to "contribute" to the aid and facilities that were being developed at the time."In the last few years she has spent a lot of time in Masafer Yatta," he added, which according to the press release, is where she got arrested. Ms Murphy's lawyer, Noa Dagoni told the BBC that the handling of the case has been "deeply troubling"."Since her detention at Givon prison, Ms. Murphy has been unable to contact me, despite multiple requests on my part and efforts from her side – the reasons for that remain unclear," she said Ms Murphy had requested legal counsel for "the detention review tribunal hearing as well as representation during the hearing itself".But Ms Dagoni said that apparently "no actual access" had been granted which would "constitute a serious and unlawful violation" of Ms Murphy's rights. Ms Murphy's local MP Bell said "hundreds of constituents" had contacted him with their concerns."I've been in touch with Deirdre's family and am liaising with both the Irish government, who are providing consular support, and the UK Foreign Office, who have offered their assistance and stand ready to help further."He said he was "particularly concerned" that Ms Murphy may not have legal representation."We all want to see Deirdre released as soon as possible," he Irish Embassy Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was "aware of the case and is providing consular assistance."It added that "the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not comment on the details of individual cases."The Foreign Office said: "We have not been approached for consular assistance, but our staff stand ready to support British Nationals overseas 24/7." Additional reporting by Shazia Ali
The Independent
06-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
‘Send her home': Son of Irish woman, 70, in Israeli detention pleads for her release
The son of a 70-year-old Irish woman currently in Israeli detention has pleaded for her release amid concerns over his mother's health. Deirdre Murphy, who has eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, was detained in the recently-demolished West Bank village of Khalet al-Daba'a. According to the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), she has not been provided legal counsel since Monday. Ms Murphy, who is originally from Cork and now based in Swansea, was arrested alongside 48-year-old Swedish national Susanne Björk, who claimed to The Independent that the pair had to 'fight to even be allowed to go to the toilet' during their detention. 'Who doesn't allow a 70-year-old woman to go to the toilet? It's certainly not something a democratic country would be doing,' said UK resident Ms Björk, who has already been deported from Israel. Israeli police did not address this claim when approached by The Independent. Khalet al-Daba'a, a West Bank village demolished by Israel earlier in May. Ms Björk said allegations by Israeli police that they had failed to show their IDs and were in an area they were not permitted to be on were false. International and local activists have been stationed in Khalet al-Daba'a since its demolition on 5 May in an attempt to prevent nearby Israeli settlers from damaging the remaining buildings. After refusing to leave Israel voluntarily, Ms Murphy and Ms Björk were told they had been arrested and would be deported. Ms Murphy decided to challenge the deportation order. Dale Ryan, Ms Murphy's son, has called on Israeli authorities to 'treat her with dignity and respect' while she is in detention - and pleaded with authorities to 'send her home quickly'. 'Israel is meant to be a civilised country, so you think [the detainees] basic rights would have been met. But maybe that trust is a little bit misguided,' said Mr Ryan, 46, who added that he is 'really proud' of his mother. He explained that his mother has bronchiectasis, a long-term condition which can cause an inflammation of the airways in the lungs. 'Stress can make symptoms worse as well,' Mr Ryan explained. 'So I am a little bit concerned. I just hope my mother's in good health, but also my mother is quite a resilient person… I know she will gain strength from this.' Along with other activists, Ms Björk and Ms Murphy were filming and following settlers who activists say have been roaming the demolished landscape of Khalet al-Daba'a, grazing their sheep and damaging the homes that remain standing. The two women were complying with an order to leave the land when they were apprehended by a settler in military uniform who demanded to see their passports, Ms Björk said. After police were called, the pair were detained, as authorities accused them of being in an area they were not allowed in and of failing to show their IDs. 'These are completely false accusations,' Ms Björk said. 'As soon as they told us we were not allowed in the area, we tried to leave. The soldiers had at first our passports, and then the police took our passports. We complied with all instructions.' Video footage seen and published by The Independent shows armed Israeli authorities in possession of the two women's passports. The video ends before the pair left the area, where they were then apprehended by the settler in military uniform. Ms Murphy and Ms Björk were released on Saturday evening, and after declining to voluntarily leave the country on Sunday, they were told they would be detained for 72 hours before they were deported after a hearing. Ms Murphy chose to fight the deportation and was moved to Givon Prison in Ramla on Tuesday, according to the ISM. The group alleges that Ms Murphy was brought to her deportation hearing on Wednesday without legal representation nor notification to her lawyer, despite her request. Speaking on Thursday morning, Ms Björk was keen to emphasise that their treatment in detention was better than that of Palestinians. She recalls seeing two 'small boys who were blindfolded and zip tied' being brought into the police station after their initial detention. 'They looked about 13 or 14, these boys were obviously terrified. I mean, we were getting water and being fed and everything, so we're very privileged in one way, because the way we were treated and the way Palestinians are treated is wildly different,' she said. A spokesperson from the Irish foreign affairs ministry confirmed to The Independent that they were aware of the case and were providing consular assistance. Israeli Police told The Independent that the women were detained on 'suspicion of violating a military order' and were therefore restricted from the West Bank for 15 days. 'Over the weekend, police received a report from the security coordinator of the community of Ma'on regarding the presence of several suspicious individuals near a structure in the area of Khirbet al-Dab'a, located within an active military firing zone near the community of Avigayil in the South Hebron Hills,' they said in a statement. 'Officers from the Hebron station, along with IDF forces from the subdistrict, arrived at the scene and identified the individuals as two foreign nationals, who were present within the closed military zone in violation of a standing military order. Information provided by the Judea and Samaria Central Investigations Unit (YAMAR) indicated that one of the suspects are known abroad for involvement in anti-Israel activity. 'Following the hearing on Sunday, it was determined that both individuals would be removed from the country,' they added. 'One of the suspects agreed to the removal order and signed a declaration stating that she would not appeal the decision. The second notified authorities of her intent to file a petition against the decision.' Ms Murphy will remain in custody at Givon Detention Facility until 'her departure or the legal resolution of her appeal', they said.
Irish Times
03-06-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Irish pensioner in Israel fighting deportation order
A Swedish woman who was arrested along with Irish national Deirdre 'D' Murphy (71) by Israeli military on Saturday has spoken of the escalating violence happening all over the West Bank. Susanne Björk told RTÉ radio's Morning Ireland that 'our governments' were completely ignoring the situation 'not just in Gaza, but also in the West Bank. 'It's people like D and myself who come out there just to try and document what's happening and provide some solidarity with the Palestinian people and families.' Both of the women volunteer with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) and were ordered to leave the village of Khalet Al-Daba'a in Masafer Yatta in the southern part of the occupied West Bank on Saturday. READ MORE [ Restricting food distribution in Gaza may constitute Israeli war crime, says UN rights office Opens in new window ] A spokesperson for ISM said they were complying with the order when they were arrested by Israeli settlers, who were wearing military uniform as they are reservists. The settlers then called police and detained Ms Murphy, from Co Cork, and Ms Björk. The two activists were ordered to appear at a deportation hearing at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv on Sunday where they were issued with deportation orders. Ms Björk was deported on Monday but Ms Murphy is fighting the deportation order and is currently still in a detention centre at Ben Gurion Airport. Ms Björk said she and other volunteers went to the region 'because the situation is so horrible'. 'This village, all over the West Bank, obviously the situation, is horrendous. People are absolutely terrified and the escalation of violence and settler violence and demolitions happening all over the West Bank is just horrendous and no one's reporting on this,' she said. 'I mean our governments are completely ignoring the situation not just in Gaza, but also in the West Bank. It's people like Dee and myself who are highlighting the situation.' [ Fintan O'Toole: Netanyahu's big lie is that 'They' are not really the same species as 'Us' Opens in new window ] This was the first time that Ms Björk had been arrested, but it was not the first time she had experienced such intimidation, she said. 'Usually that would have meant a ban from a certain area, perhaps, that you were not allowed to enter that area. But my lawyer said that this is a new policy that they've implemented in the last few months, where they arrest people and deport people straight away and send them to immigration hearing at Ben Gurion. And this is, I think, quite a new policy,' she added. 'They're just trying to get rid of anyone who tried to document the reality of the occupation and the war crimes taking place.' When asked if she would return, Ms Björk said she would if she could, but it seemed unlikely because she did not receive any of the documentation she was promised at the police hearing. 'They were supposed to provide us with an English transcript of the interview. I never received that. I also didn't receive any protocol from the immigration hearing.' The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance. It said it does not comment on the details of individual cases. Ms Murphy is a founding member of Swansea Palestine Community Link and was previously detained in Israel in 2011, when she travelled to the Jewish state with the Welsh pro-Palestine group. Her son, Dale Ryan, said: 'As far as I can see her only crime was observing crimes against Palestinian people. D has always had a strong sense of justice and I know she could not sit at home while she knew her friends in Masafer Yatta and all of Palestine were suffering unnecessarily. 'I am very proud of my mother for sticking up for the basic human rights of her friends and trying to raise awareness of the injustices the Palestinian people are experiencing.'
