Israeli embassy: Gaza flotilla 'a provocative publicity stunt'

The Israeli embassy in Ireland has said a Gaza flotilla that includes an Irish ship boarded by Israeli forces today is a provocative publicity stunt that serves no practical purpose.

The MV Saoirse was boarded by the Israeli navy along with its sister ship the Canadian-registered Tahrir.

They were sailing in a so-called 'Freedom Waves' aid convoy to Gaza.

"Israel Navy soldiers boarded the provocative vessels after all attempts to prevent them from breaking the maritime security blockade failed," Israeli military spokesperson Avital Liebovitch confirmed.

The AFP news agency says the MV Saoirse and a Canadian vessel the Tahrir were intercepted 50 nautical miles from their destination.

Earlier the "Irish Ship to Gaza campaign" called on the Irish Government to issue an urgent statement to the Israeli government warning against any harm to the passengers aboard the MV Saoirse.

Speaking from the MV Saoirse before the reported interception, Dr Fintan Lane admitted the 14 Irish and one Greek crew were concerned for their safety.