TD among five Irish citizens held by Israel

Heneghan and writer Dolan in intercepted flotilla

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN Political Correspondent

INDEPENDENT TD Barry Heneghan and writer Naoise Dolan have been detained by Israeli forces alongside three other Irish citizens as part of a flotilla to Gaza.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris confirmed that on Tuesday night another flotilla aiming to bring aid to Gaza was intercepted by Israel and five Irish citizens have been detained.

The Thousand Madleens flotilla departed from southern Europe earlier this month with medical and food supplies for Gazans.

Several vessels in the flotilla have been intercepted by Israeli naval forces in recent days, including the Milad, carrying Mr Heneghan, Ms Dolan and five others.