MV Saoirse members await outcome of Israeli immigration hearing

Crew members of the Irish vessel the MV Saoirse and the Canadian ship the Tahrir are attending an immigration hearing in Israel this evening.

They hope to be released and returned home as soon as possible.

Twenty-seven people onboard both ships were detained on Friday by Israeli forces as they were attempting to bring aid supplies to Gaza.

Fourteen of the 27 detained are Irish, including former Irish rugby player Trevor Hogan and Dublin Socialist MEP Paul Murphy.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has said it is unclear when the crew members will be deported.