Murphy: New flotilla 'not designed to provoke Israelis'

The Socialist Party MEP Paul Murphy says the Irish boat travelling to Gaza as part of an international flotilla is not designed to provoke the Israelis.

Mr Murphy is travelling to Turkey today to join the MV Saoirse which is the Irish boat participating in the flotilla.

He said that they will set sail from Turkey on Saturday and that they are likely to enter the waters around the Gaza Strip on Tuesday.

Unlike the other ships in the flotilla, the Irish one will not be carrying any cargo or humanitarian aid.

"Hopefully by going as passengers we are participating as part of the bringing of the cargo as well," he said.