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02/06/2010
Ship Nears Israel As Gaza Activist Returns
The first British citizen from the aid convoy stormed by Israeli soldiers off Gaza has returned to the UK.
The Scottish activist, Hasan Nowarah, from Glasgow, was among 42 British nationals thought to have been with the flotilla when it was intercepted as it headed towards the beleaguered Gaza Strip.
He has returned unharmed after at least nine activists died when commandos boarded the six-ship convoy.
Some 40 UK citizens are being held in the Beersheva prison and one is under medical treatment.
However, Israel has now started deporting all those who were on board the ships, with more than 120 foreign activists having left the country already.
Mr Nowarah said he was the first to be sent home because he had sustained a leg injury.
Meanwhile, as six Irish activists are due to be released today, tension is again mounting as another vessel is heading for the troubled zone.
There are now concerns for the safety of the MV Rachel Corrie, which is still sailing towards Gaza to deliver its consignment of humanitarian aid.
The Dublin Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has welcomed the Israeli Government's decision to release all the remaining humanitarian activists detained, but has also made an urgent call to the Israeli government to allow the approaching Irish-owned vessel safe passage.
"It is imperative that there should be no further confrontation or bloodshed arising from what has been all along a purely humanitarian mission by those involved in the Gaza flotilla.
"The Government will be maintaining close contact with the Israeli government on this issue in the coming days," Minister Martin added.
See: Irish Activists To Be Released By Israelis
(BMcC/GK)
The Scottish activist, Hasan Nowarah, from Glasgow, was among 42 British nationals thought to have been with the flotilla when it was intercepted as it headed towards the beleaguered Gaza Strip.
He has returned unharmed after at least nine activists died when commandos boarded the six-ship convoy.
Some 40 UK citizens are being held in the Beersheva prison and one is under medical treatment.
However, Israel has now started deporting all those who were on board the ships, with more than 120 foreign activists having left the country already.
Mr Nowarah said he was the first to be sent home because he had sustained a leg injury.
Meanwhile, as six Irish activists are due to be released today, tension is again mounting as another vessel is heading for the troubled zone.
There are now concerns for the safety of the MV Rachel Corrie, which is still sailing towards Gaza to deliver its consignment of humanitarian aid.
The Dublin Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has welcomed the Israeli Government's decision to release all the remaining humanitarian activists detained, but has also made an urgent call to the Israeli government to allow the approaching Irish-owned vessel safe passage.
"It is imperative that there should be no further confrontation or bloodshed arising from what has been all along a purely humanitarian mission by those involved in the Gaza flotilla.
"The Government will be maintaining close contact with the Israeli government on this issue in the coming days," Minister Martin added.
See: Irish Activists To Be Released By Israelis
(BMcC/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
