The Irish-flagged MV Rachel Corrie cargo ship was referred to in the earlier thread 'Humanitarian Voyage'); her passage to join the Freedom Flotilla was most likely delayed because of sabotage by Israelis, but she is now heading for Gaza on her own

The humanitarian aid attempt has the full support of the Irish government.

The Irish prime minister, Brian Cowen, has warned Israel that it will face "the most serious consequences" in the event that any harm comes to Irish citizens on board the humanitarian relief vessel.

Mr Cowen said Ireland's longstanding position was that the Israeli blockade of Gaza was "immoral and counterproductive" and should be ended.

"Israel must listen and respond to the clear concerns of the international community on this issue. To do otherwise will only serve to reinforce the position of the extremists on both sides and jeopardise the hope of achieving some urgently needed political progress in the region, which the current proximity talks represent," he said.