ARDOYNE man Fra Hughes has been kidnapped by Israeli forces who boarded a boat attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The North Belfast man was taking part in the latest Global Sumid Flotilla of over 50 vessels which is aiming to break the siege of Gaza by sea.

In a video sent to Belfast Media on Tuesday morning, Fra revealed that his Al Tira (Diablo) boat was around 250 miles from Gaza. Later on Tuesday, his boat was intercepted by Israeli forces.

In a video on Tuesday evening, Fra, holding his Irish passport said: "If you are watching this video, I have been kidnapped in international waters by the illegal Zionist state.

"Please ensure that the voices of Palestinians, call for an end to the genocide, ethnic cleansing of Palestine are raised along with the determination to allow us to continue with our humanitarian mission to Gaza."

Earlier, it was revealed that Dr Margaret Connolly, sister of President Catherine Connolly, was also amongst those detained.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the raid was "effectively neutralising a malicious plan designed to break the isolation we have imposed on Hamas terrorists in Gaza".

There is growing concern for the safety and welfare of those being detained after a video was released on Wednesday which showed Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir walking among those being held telling them that they should remain in prison “for a long, long time”.

“Welcome to Israel, we are the landlords,” he said.

One activist, who was handcuffed shouted “Free Palestine” and was immediately pushed to the ground. The video shows rows of activists kneeling with their heads touching the ground with their hands tied behind their backs.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said his thoughts are with the President and the other families affected.

"My heart goes out to President Connolly and her family, and indeed all of the families of those detained.

"What Israel has done is, in my view, illegal."

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Helen McEntee, said: "Israel must uphold its obligations under international law, including ensuring the safety, welfare and humane treatment of the Irish citizens illegally detained in international waters. In that context, I again call for their immediate release.

"My Department, including our Embassy in Israel, is actively engaging with the Israeli authorities to secure immediate consular access and support for the Irish citizens involved.

"We are also in direct contact with the families of those affected and with the flotilla organisers, and stand ready to provide all necessary consular assistance."

North Belfast MP John Finucane has called for Fra's immediate release.

"Tonight I requested that the Irish government’s Foreign Affairs Minister urgently press for the immediate release of North Belfast man Fra Hughes and all Gaza aid flotilla activists.

"They have been illegally detained by Israeli forces while attempting to break the blockade and deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

"Israel’s repeated violations of international law and attacks on humanitarian efforts cannot continue without consequence. We are immensely proud of Fra and all the Irish citizens who have shown such courage and humanity in standing up for the people of Gaza."