Shannon Airport in Ireland has been used for flights transporting Palestinian individuals deported from the United States, prompting criticism from opposition politicians in the Republic of Ireland. The flights, reportedly part of a secretive US government operation, have raised concerns about Ireland’s potential complicity in the deportations.
Shannon Airport Used in Palestinian Deportations
Opposition politicians have described the use of Shannon Airport as “reprehensible”, “deeply disturbing” and “outrageous”. An investigation by the Guardian newspaper, with input from +972 Magazine, found the flights are part of a US government operation to deport Palestinians arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) to the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
The first flight passed through Shannon Airport on the night of January 20th/21st, carrying eight Palestinian men who reportedly had their wrists and ankles shackled. The journey took the Gulfstream jet from Arizona to Tel Aviv, Israel, with refueling stops in New Jersey, Shannon Airport, and Bulgaria.
A second flight followed the same route, stopping at Shannon on the night of February 1st/2nd before continuing to Tel Aviv. Upon arrival, the deportees were reportedly taken to the West Bank, similar to those deported in January.
The Department of Transport stated that stops at Irish airports by private aircraft for “non-traffic purposes” – such as refueling – do not require prior authorisation.
Labour Party foreign affairs spokesman Duncan Smith called the allowance of Ice deportation flights to refuel at Shannon “absolutely reprehensible,” urging the Taoiseach and Minister for Transport to intervene. Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman described the situation as “deeply disturbing” and called for government clarification. Social Democrats foreign affairs spokeswoman Senator Patricia Stephenson stated the Coalition must clarify if it knowingly facilitated the flights, claiming they violated the human rights of the deportees.
Sinn Féin foreign affairs spokesman Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire called for immediate clarification, questioning the flights’ compliance with international law. People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy added that the fact the flights were deporting Palestinians was “an insult to injury.”
Irish law prohibits the transit of weapons through the State or its airspace without ministerial authorisation. The Department of Transport confirmed that no authorisation was sought for the flights in question, and did not comment on whether US officials were carrying weapons.
The private jet used by Ice is owned by property tycoon Gil Dezer, a long-time business partner of former US president Donald Trump. Dezer Development, a real estate company established by Michael Dezer and run by his son Gil Dezer, carries the logo on the tail of the jet. The Dezers have donated over $1.3 million (€1.1 million) to Trump’s presidential campaigns.
Dezer told the Guardian he was “never privy to the names” of those who travelled on board his jet or the purpose of the flight when it was privately chartered. He did not respond to further questions about the use of his jet by the Trump administration.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated it would not comment on deportation flights to Israel, but affirmed that individuals found to be in the country illegally “are going to be removed.” The Department of State declined to comment beyond stating it “co-ordinates closely with DHS on efforts to repatriate illegal aliens.” Israel’s foreign ministry and prison service also declined to comment.
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