One of the last ships on a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza was intercepted by the Israeli navy today.

ANXIOUS peace activists aboard an Irish-owned ship bound for Gaza have vowed not to give up their humanitarian aid cargo to Israel but have said they are prepared to surrender peacefully if Israeli commandos decide to board their boat.

High-profile humanitarian activists tonight pleaded with EU chiefs to use sanctions to force an end to Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Micheál Martin has accused Israel of kidnapping up to eight Irish citizens and breaking international law by refusing diplomats access to them.