DUBLIN, Ireland: Egyptian authorities released Paul Murphy, TD, from the People Before Profit party after his second detention on June 16.

Murphy's initial arrest occurred late last week while he was attempting to join a large demonstration aimed at marching to the Rafah crossing into Gaza to deliver aid to the blockaded region. He was among several Irish citizens who were set to participate in the march.

According to Murphy, his phone and passport were taken before he and his group were placed on a bus to Cairo airport, where they were led to believe deportation was imminent. Although all detained Irish citizens were eventually released, not everyone got their phones back.

On June 16, following advice from the Irish Embassy, Murphy visited a police station in Cairo to retrieve his confiscated phone. He later sent messages expressing concern that his passport had been seized again and was informed that he could not leave the station. Despite attempting to exit, he and others were reportedly prevented from doing so.

Murphy stated, "I have been detained in the Abdeen police station in Cairo. I went to the station at 12:30 pm Egyptian time to inquire about my phone. They took my passport again, had me speak with the secret police, and left me in a room with an interpreter, claiming they were looking for my phone. I just tried to leave but was told that I cannot."

Murphy's partner, Jess Spear, a Dublin councilor, called on the Government to take action. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that they were providing consular assistance. People Before Profit announced that after 8 p.m. Irish time, Murphy had been released along with his passport and was able to fly out on the morning of June 17.

The Global March to Gaza is a civilian initiative that seeks to march from Egypt into Gaza to deliver humanitarian assistance and apply pressure for the unblocking of essential supplies to the besieged region.

Israel has enforced a blockade since it ended a ceasefire with Hamas earlier this year, raising concerns about famine.

This situation is further complicated by ongoing violence linked to Israeli-US aid initiatives. The current military campaign by Israel, lasting 20 months, has resulted in approximately 55,000 Palestinian deaths following the October 7, 2023, assault by Hamas militants that killed around 1,200 individuals and involved the abduction of 251 hostages.