Gaza activists due back in Dublin tonight

The Israeli Embassy in Dublin is defending the decision of Israeli authorities to imprison 14 Irish activists who were attempting to bring aid to the people of Gaza.

In a statement issued this afternoon, the embassy said the activists "committed an illegal act and therefore had to be detained".

It said that the Israeli maritime blockade on Gaza is "legal under international law, as confirmed by the UN Palmer Report".

The group, which includes former Irish rugby star Trevor Hogan, were due to fly back home today, but when they turned up at the airport the airline refused to board them all.

The Israeli Embassy in Dublin said this decision was made by British Airways and that all 14 are now booked on a different flight which is due to arrive in Dublin this evening.