Israeli Take Over 'Violent and Dangerous'

Irish activists onboard the MV Saoirse who were intercepted by Israeli navy as they attempted to break the Gaza blockade have described the takeover as "violent and dangerous".

National coordinator of the Irish Ship to Gaza organisation, Fintan Lane, said the crew were sprayed with water from high pressure hoses and were then "forcibly removed... in a violent manner".

He said the Israeli navy also intercepted the Saoirse in such a way that it forced a collision with a Canadian boat, the Tahrir, which was also trying to break the blockade.

Dr Lane was speaking via phone to members of the organisation based in Dublin.

Dr Lane said the takeover of the MV Saoirse took about three hours, with Israeli forces surrounding them and the MV Tahrir, also on the humanitarian mission, before high-pressure hoses were turned on passengers.

Guns were also pointed at them through windows before they were finally taken away in a violent manner, he claimed.

"I was hosed down the stairs of the boat," Dr Lane said.

"Windows were smashed and the bridge of the boat nearly caught fire."

Israeli navy apprehended the vessel and its crew while they attempting to break the Gaza blockade to provide aid in order to alleviate the poverty and suffering the people there endure.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore last night said he was closely monitoring the detention of 14 Irish nationals, who are receiving consular assistance, and understood they were in good health.

(LB)