Two Irish activists among 21 detained by Israel

Two Irish people are among a group of 21 human rights activists being held by the Israeli authorities for trying to bring humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip.

The group were on board a small boat - the Spirit of Humanity - which was seized in international waters by the Israeli Navy, according to the Free Gaza Movement.

They were tying to bring medical supplies to Gaza when they were stopped by Israeli warships yesterday morning.

The detainees include Mairead Maguire, who won a Nobel Peace Prize for her work in the North.

Irish electrician Derek Graham was also on board the board, along with a former US Congresswoman and other activists from Britain, Denmark and the Middle East.