The Barna woman held under house arrest in Egypt after entering Palestine illegally last week has said she would do it all again.

Ms Treasa Ní Cheannabháin was travelling to Alexandria last night to be reunited with her daughter, Naisrín Elsafty, whom she has not seen since Thursday.

Speaking to the Galway Independent, she said she had received great support from the Irish Embassy in Cairo during her detention.

Her actions in entering Gaza had been criticised by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern, who said she bore "personal responsibility" for her imprisonment after ignoring warnings from his Department not to travel to Gaza.

Ms Ní Cheannabháin was held under house arrest by Egyptian authorities since last Sunday. She was freed on Monday at 6pm following representations on her behalf by Irish diplomats and her Egyptian husband, Saber Elsafty.

Her daughter Naisrín Elsafty and niece Seham Elhotty were not held as they are both Egyptian citizens. Ms Ní Cheannabháin has been entitled to Egyptian citizenship since marrying her husband, but had not applied for it. She is due to return to Ireland some time next week.

Niall Farrell, spokesperson for the Galway Alliance Against War, has welcomed Ms Ní Cheannabháin's release and called for a civic reception to welcome her home.

"When the Israeli blockade of Gaza was foiled by Hamas blowing up part of the border wall with Egypt, Treasa Ní Cheannabháin saw an opportunity to bring much-needed financial support to hospitals and orphanages in that beleaguered part of Palestine.

"She, her daughter, Naisrín Elsafty and niece, Sehan Elhotty went to great lengths to reach Gaza and dispense the funds raised in Ireland. Their acts of bravery and charity put to shame the inaction of Dublin and Brussels. When Naisrín and Treasa, these two Good Samaritans, return they should be given a civic reception," said Mr Farrell.

Mayor Tom Costello has said he is considering the move, after it was raised by Councillor Catherine Connolly at Monday night's meeting.

Comments (2) »

Geography or Bias?
written by george, February 14, 2008

Quote "When the Israeli blockade of Gaza was foiled by Hamas blowing up part of the border wall with Egypt"
Is there a confusion about geography here or just bias against Israel? Hamas, those renowed respecters of human life and rights, bravely blow up the wall blocking entry to EGYPT. Any comments on the Egyptian wall and their blockade or would that be too balanced?

All it takes for evil to triumph ...
written by Anne Feeney, February 13, 2008

Congratulations to Treasa for her courage. By decrying the "collective punishment" and isolation criminally visited upon Gaza by Israel, and delivering desperately needed aid, Ní Cheannabháin has set an example for us all.

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