Irish Activists To Be Released By Israelis

Six Irish activists currently being held by Israel are to be released as international pressure and public outrage mounts over the attack on the flotilla taking aid to Gaza.

The Irish activists have been detained in an Israeli camp for the past two days are to be released and flown home either today or tomorrow.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin welcomed the Israeli Government's decision to release all the remaining humanitarian activists detained, including six Irish citizens, following the storming of the Turkish aid ship, the Mavi Marmara, and the seizure of other vessels forming part of the Gaza aid flotilla by Israeli forces on Monday.

Nine people were killed during the attack, which took place in international waters. Israel claimed the Flotilla posed a "terrorist threat" and that it's boarding parties had come under attack from the aid activists using improvised weapons.

However, these claims have been widely rejected after witnesses who were part of the flotilla revealed the Israeli forces opened fire before boarding the ship.

Speaking today, Mr Martin said he was pleased that Israel had decided to release all those still in detention after the "clear calls made by many in the international community, including the Irish Government and the UN Security Council".

"I look forward to the prompt and safe return of the six Irish citizens who still remain in Israeli custody," Mr Martin said.

There are now concerns for the safety of the MV Rachel Corrie, which is still sailing towards Gaza to deliver its consignment of humanitarian aid.

Mr Martin made an urgent call to the Israeli government to allow the Irish owned vessel's safe passage.

"It is imperative that there should be no further confrontation or bloodshed arising from what has been all along a purely humanitarian mission by those involved in the Gaza flotilla.

"The Government will be maintaining close contact with the Israeli government on this issue in the coming days," Minister Martin added.

The UN security council has called for an independent inquiry into the matter, although, this has been blocked by Washington who are under pressure from powerful pro-Israeli lobbyists. Despite this, even the US is finding it difficult to maintain their support in light of Israel's recent actions.

American President Barak Obama today called the Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan to express his "deep condolences" for the loss of life and injuries resulting from the Israeli military operation.

He told the Turkish Prime Minister that the United States is working in close consultation with Israel to help achieve the release of the passengers, including those deceased and wounded, and the ships themselves.

(DW/BMcC)