“Carrying Nappies, Called Terrorists… What a World”: QNN Speaks to Irish Comedian Tadhg Hickey Before Gaza Flotilla Israeli Attack

Israeli naval forces stormed six ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla on Wednesday, kidnapping participants and redirecting the convoy to Ashdod port. The Flotilla left Spain in late August with 45 boats carrying hundreds of pro-Palestine and anti-genocide activists from more than 40 countries.

Just hours before the Israeli navy attacked the Flotilla, we spoke with Irish comedian Tadhg Hickey aboard one of the vessels heading to Gaza. The flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid and medical supplies, aims to break the 18-year-long Israeli blockade. Hickey shared his thoughts on the mission, its risks, and his motivation for joining.

Calm Before the Storm

“How’s the situation?” we asked.

“Situation is good,” Hickey replied. “We’re literally just sitting here, expecting an interception at any hour. It could be in ten minutes, an hour, or later tonight. We just don’t know.”

Hickey, on a small boat with ten people, said the group has rehearsed safety drills and built strong camaraderie. “We’re calm and relaxed. There’s very little fear because we know what we’re doing. Spiritually, we’re calm because we’re upholding humanitarian law. Why would we feel nervous? It’s the oppressor who should feel anxiety or shame. But that’s not how the world works.”

 “Historically, these interceptions happen at night”, Hickey said. “The worst operations always happen at night in Gaza. But we’re prepared for anything. There’s never been a mission of this scale; 40 to 50 boats. Israel may start during the day for visibility, but by nightfall, we’ll be 50 or 60 nautical miles from Gaza, near where the Handala was stopped. We’re hopeful, though. We believe in international law, and we’ve promised the people of Gaza we will not abandon them.”

“I was astonished at the lack of real diplomatic pressure on Israel,” Hickey said speaking about his motivation. “Two years into what can only be called genocide, humanitarians are heading into Palestinian waters. Governments talk, but they do almost nothing.”

He described Israel and Italy’s warnings as absurd. “It’s almost like a bad sitcom. We’re bringing nappies, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid, yet we’re being labeled as terrorists. I felt it was my duty to act. My family supports me, which means a lot. This mission is about making a tiny difference in a world that often ignores human suffering. And it’s only the beginning. The global solidarity movement for Palestine is relentless, beautiful, and formidable.”

Gaza’s Global Impact

Hickey outlined the possible outcomes: “We could reach Gaza and break the siege, that’s the optimum. Or, we could be intercepted and detained, labeled criminals or terrorists. Worst case, there could be an attack like in 2010, with casualties. Whatever happens, people must act. Ireland and Europe should put pressure on their governments. Western leaders often lack moral clarity, so the people must lead.”

“Gaza has changed everything,” he said. “Watching Palestinians endure unimaginable horror every day forces the world to question itself. It challenges our authenticity, solidarity, and resilience. People now see the complicity of Western leaders and the mainstream media. The world is awake. They can choose to act or ignore it, but they know the truth.”

Satire, Family, and Solidarity

Hickey also reflected on his role aboard the ship. “I like to think of myself as a clown,” he said. “I bring levity to dark situations. My practical skills are limited, but I help keep people sane.”

Ireland’s history of colonial struggle shaped Hickey’s solidarity. “It’s in our bones,” he said. “We understand oppression, starvation, and labeling resistance as terrorism. Ireland and Palestine share a colonial experience. Supporting Palestine brings the best out of Irish people, reconnecting us to our roots.”

“Contrary to the Hasbro-style propaganda claiming you need a degree in geopolitics to understand Israel-Palestine, from an Irish perspective it’s clear: it’s settler colonialism, brutality, racism, and ethno-supremacy. The Irish have lived through that same colonial playbook; in many ways, Ireland is Palestine.”

His commitment comes with personal sacrifice. “I have three kids, one older daughter, and two young daughters. My youngest was just 16 weeks old before I left. My partner made huge sacrifices too. Solidarity is a family affair. I want my children to grow up knowing they’re equal to others. We cannot turn away from suffering and pretend it doesn’t exist. This is about teaching values, not just speaking about them.”

“In the West, and especially in Ireland, there’s this mindset of just looking after your own kids. People hold the delusion that they’re good, while their world shrinks smaller and smaller. But suffering is everywhere, and I believe we are all equal. As I often say, Ireland is Palestine, so turning your back on Palestinian children while kissing your own kids goodnight, thinking you’re a good person, just doesn’t add up for me.”

A Message to Gaza

Israel often labels pro-Palestinian activists as Hamas. Hickey shrugged off the accusations. “I’m not a member of Hamas; my Catholic background prevents that. These claims have no credibility. We’re carrying humanitarian aid. Israel is desperate, labeling anyone it dislikes as Hamas. It’s evidence they’ve lost the argument, and I’m happy about that.”

Finally, Hickey shared a message for Palestinians in Gaza. “I’m lucky to be in contact with some people there. My message is simple: we won’t give up. Even if we don’t reach Gaza this time, flotillas are coming. This mission is only the beginning. Global opinion is shifting. We haven’t forgotten you. We love you, and we’re coming. You are not alone.”

As night fell, the boats drew closer to Gaza, bracing for confrontation. For Hickey, the choice was already made: “If governments fail to act, the people must act. That’s why we are here.”