Foreign Affairs Minister concerned by attacks on Gaza ships

The Minister for Foreign Affairs says he is gravely concerned over reports emerging into the storming of a Turkish ship this morning by Israeli commandos.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin says he is gravely concerned over reports emerging into the storming of a Turkish ship this morning by Israeli commandos.

It has been reported that up to 16 people have been killed and 30 injured after Israeli warships launched the attack in an attempt to prevent a breach of a long-standing blockade.

Minister Martin says his Department is trying to confirm the safety of eight Irish nationals on board the flotilla of six ships carrying aid and activists to Gaza.

The Israeli Military says their commandos came under gunfire and knife attack while they took control of the ships.