Twelve Irish passport holders on board Gaza aid convoy

The Department of Foreign Affairs has today confirmed that 12 Irish passport holders have been caught up in the Israeli raid on a flotilla of aid ships bound for Gaza.

A spokesperson said that five of those were on the MV Rachael Corrie vessel and are accounted for, but fears are mounting for the safety of the other seven.

Some of the 12 include a number who hold dual citizenship, including an Irish reporter from the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper.

They also say that they are awaiting confirmation on reports of an injury to an Irish citizen in the Israeli media.

At least 10 civilians were killed during the raid on the flotilla, with some reports suggest the death toll could be as high as 19.

Around 50 others are thought to be injured, including five Israeli soldiers.

Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin, said consular officials were working to confirm the safety of Irish people caught up in the incident.

“The flotilla, which had been warned it would not be allowed to pass an Israeli sea blockade, was carrying about 10,000 tonnes of aid and about 800 passengers on eight ships.