One of the Irish activists from the MV Saoirse, which was intercepted by Israeli navy as it attempted to break the Gaza blockade, has claimed the takeover of the ship was "violent and dangerous".
National coordinator of the Irish Ship to Gaza organisation, Fintan Lane, said the crew were sprayed with water from high pressure hoses and were then "forcibly removed ... in a violent manner".
He said the Israeli navy also intercepted the MV Saoirse in such a way that it forced a collision with a Canadian boat, the Tahrir, which was also trying to break the blockade.
Mr Lane was speaking via phone to members of the organisation based in Dublin.
He is one of 14 Irish citizens on board the vessel who have been detained by Israeli authorities.
All 27 on board the ship are being held in Givon prison and are expected to be deported in the next 48 hours.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gimore yesterday said that officials from the Irish embassy in Tel Aviv were providing consular assistance and had twice met with the Irish activists.
"I understand that they are in good health and have been no complaints about their physical treatment," he said in a statement.
He added that he was monitoring the situation closely and his main concern was the wellbeing of those on board.
Minister Gilmore said the Government was opposed to Israel's blockade of Gaza, which it regarded as contrary to international humanitarian law.
He also said he did not accept Israel's right to apprehend a ship in international waters.
