Israel begins deporting pro-Palestinian activists

Israel has begun deporting the pro-Palestinian activists it took into custody following the storming of an aid flotilla in international water heading to the Gaza Strip over the weekend.

All 679 detainees taken off the ships, including some 40 Britons, are being deported within the next 48 hours. However, around 50 of the protesters will be held for questioning.

Some 120 activists have already been bussed to the Jordanian border, where they were greeted by sympathisers. One Briton involved in the flotilla arrived back in Britain on Tuesday night.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said 31 British nationals and a further 11 with dual nationality are known to have been detained.

At least nine pro-Palestinian activists were killed when Israeli commandos raided a six ship convoy on Monday.

The raid has led to worldwide condemnation of Israel and to calls for its controversial blockade of the Gaza Strip to be lifted.