IRISH peace campaigners are preparing to buy a ship to carry up to 50 activists, politicians and media among others to take part in a second international freedom flotilla to war-torn Gaza.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin will renew calls for an international probe into Israel’s bloody raid on the Gaza aid flotilla when he meets with EU counterparts today.

A leading Irish activist seized by Israeli authorities tonight revealed he was assaulted in custody while three others were severely beaten.

Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin today repeated calls for Israel to allow aid boat the MV Rachel Corrie through its military blockade of Gaza.