Irish activists vow not to give up aid to Israeli army

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.

Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin personally spoke to crew by satellite phone yesterday on the MV Rachel Corrie, assuring them efforts were being made for their safe passage to the blockaded Palestinian territory.

Israel has indicated it is prepared to use force to prevent the ship’s arrival, after its commandos stormed a flotilla of aid ships earlier this week and opened fire on activists.