THE IRISH and other foreign nationals aboard the two Gaza-bound vessels intercepted by the Israeli navy yesterday will be deported home this weekend.

The 27 peace activists were undergoing security checks at Ashdod port last night and would then be held at a detention facility before being taken to Ben Gurion international airport to be put on flights home. The Israeli authorities said those who refuse to leave the country voluntarily would have access to a lawyer and 72 hours to appeal being sent home.

The Irish embassy was in touch with the Israeli authorities throughout the day over the welfare of the Irish nationals and was assured that all of them were safe.

Some of the Irish activists expressed concern that the Israeli authorities might confiscate their personal belongings. Activists on previous flotillas complained that lap top computers and mobile phones were not returned.

The Israeli military said no one was hurt when naval commandos boarded the Irish MV Saoirseand the Canadian vessel Al-Tahrirafter the captains refused repeated requests to turn around. A military spokesman said the boats were in international waters in the Mediterranean sea when they were stopped, between 40 and 60 miles from the coast.

The Israeli military issued a short video clip showing a naval official calling on the ships to turn around. “Your attempt to enter the Gaza Strip by sea is a violation of international law. We remind you that humanitarian supplies can be delivered to the Gaza Strip by land, and you are welcome to enter Ashdod port and deliver supplies through land crossings”, the navy officer said.

Satellite phone links were blocked shortly before the maritime interception.

Activists from Gaza who helped coordinate the flotilla called the Israeli action illegal and called for the immediate release of all those arrested.

Socialist party MEP Paul Murphy wrote in a blog posted earlier on the Internet that the mission was in “response to the call from people within Gaza to try to break the siege they suffer under.” Speaking after prayers at a Gaza city mosque, Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas prime minister, addressed the passengers aboard the boats, saying, “Your message has been delivered whether you make it or not. The siege is unjust and must end.”

Israel imposed a maritime blockade on the Gaza strip in 2007 after Hamas came to power. It claims the restrictions are necessary to stop weapons reaching militant groups.

Yesterday’s peaceful interception was in sharp contrast to the events of May 2010, when Israeli commandos boarded the Turkish Mavi Marmaraship, the flagship vessel of a flotilla trying to reach Gaza, and killed nine Turkish Islamic activists, some of them armed with clubs and knives.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore was last night facing calls to intervene over the Israeli interception of the Irish boat.

Spokeswoman for the Irish Ship to Gaza campaign Claudia Saba said her organisation was “outraged by this act of kidnap”.

Ms Saba said the campaign did not yet know in what manner the passengers were taken on board the Israeli ship. She said the Irish protesters were now in prison and would not get to see the Irish consular services until this morning.

Ms Saba called on Mr Gilmore to “come out very strongly and condemn this kidnapping of our citizens and to stand behind this initiative.”

Siptu president Jack O’Connor also condemned what he described as “an illegal act of piracy” by Israeli forces in boarding the boats in international waters.

Among those arrested was Siptu official, Mags O’Brien. Mr O’Connor called on Mr Gilmore to “ensure that all of those taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod are treated with dignity and respect pending their release”.

He said the Israeli authorities must “immediately release the Irish citizens and others they are illegally detaining and ensure they are properly treated before they can safely return home.”

Organisers of a solidarity protest at the Spire on OConnell Street last night said up to 200 people attended.

Mr Gilmore issued a statement last night saying: “My initial reaction is one of relief that there has been no violence and that all the Irish nationals aboard the MV Saoirseare safe and well following this ordeal. My priority and responsibility throughout this whole episode, as in relation to previous flotillas attempting to sail to Gaza, has been to ensure that no harm would come to any Irish national involved and I am relieved that this has been accomplished.

“My Department, both here and through our Embassy in Tel Aviv, has been in constant contact throughout with the Israeli authorities in relation to this matter and we have particularly urged that all possible restraint be exercised by Israel in carrying out any interception. I welcome that this clear message appears to have been heeded by the Israeli authorities.”