Garda public order unit physically remove Gaza protesters blocking Dublin Port amid major traffic disruption

Members of the Garda public order unit have physically removed protesters who were blocking the entrance and exit of Dublin Port for a number of hours today.

Traffic is now passing through the port again but there has been major disruption in the capital at rush hour this evening.

Protesters in support of the Global Sumud flotilla bound for Gaza were blocking the port this evening with lines of trucks and cars stuck for hours.

Among those staging the protests were the Trinity College Dublin’s Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Committee, along with other protesters for Palestine, block the entrance and exit to the port.

Gardaí were holding position between the protesters and disgruntled truck drivers but a Garda representative then announced that protesters have “gone beyond the reach of a peaceful protest” before they were moved from the entrance and exit.

Traffic is very heavy in the East Wall, north east inner city and the Dublin Port surrounds.

The crowd chanting “Free Free Palestine” marched from the city centre to the port earlier this afternoon.

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Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald spoke at the rally held in the city earlier today along with former president of Trinity Student Union, Jenny Maguire.

Maguire told the Irish Independent that the crowd intend to remain blocking the port “for as long as it takes” with the crowd protesting alongside various groups across Europe in solidarity with Gaza flotilla.

At least 14 Irish citizens who were among the 500 or so people taking part in the flotilla of 40 boats have been detained by Israeli soldiers after they intercepted the flotilla in international waters last night. The move has drawn widespread international condemnation.

A number of trucks drivers at Dublin Port today have said they have been held up in line since 2.30pm.

One truck driver said his horses who have been travelling 36 hours are now agitated with the traffic now at a standstill.