Capital activist held by Israel hopes to complete aid mission

A LOCAL activist being held by Israeli authorities is still hoping to carry on her mercy mission, it was revealed today, as it was claimed the group were being held in "appalling" conditions.

Postal worker Theresa McDermott, 42, from Pilrig, was among 21 crew on board the aid boat Spirit of Humanity when it was seized by Israeli warships on Tuesday.

The prisoners are now understood to have been visited by consular staff, and two have been released following questioning by local authorities.

Local supporters said those in captivity were stressing that they did not simply want to be released, but wanted to be able to carry on with their delivery of aid to Gaza.

It is expected that the Spirit of Humanity, which was carrying aid including medical supplies, books and children's toys, will instead be impounded.

The boat is said to have been stopped by six Israeli warships in international waters on Tuesday.

One of the campaigners yesterday sent an e-mail claiming the conditions were "appalling".

Israel has said that the boat was attempting to enter the Gaza Strip illegally.