Israeli commandos board humanitarian aid vessel near Gaza

A vessel carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza has been boarded by Israeli commandos.

The ship Estelle was about 38 nautical miles from Gaza when it was approached by Israeli patrol boats this morning.

Gaza Action Ireland said the ship is carrying five politicians - two from Greece and the others from Sweden, Spain and Norway - along with around 25 other activists.

Reporter Sami Sahmoud, speaking from Gaza, said the ship was the latest in a series of activist-manned boats challenging Israel's blockade on Gaza.

"They want to highlight the fact that Israel is imposing a blockade on Gaza and this is not legitimate," he said.