The 16 Irish people, detained by Israeli forces last week, have been released.

Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris has confirmed they are currently on their journey home.

They were detained after Isareli authorities intercepted the Global Sumud flotilla, which was attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.

The Tánaiste says their release was secured after a weekend of intensive efforts by Irish officials working with international partners.

In a statement, he says he's also aware of a number of Irish citizens participating in other flotillas currently en route to Gaza and he's instructed his department to closely monitor that "evolving situation".

Niamh Mac Namara, coordinator with Global Movement to Gaza Éire says: "What happened was completely illegal under international law and should never have been allowed.

"If Ireland had imposed sanctions on the genocidal state of Israel and upheld human rights, this mission would never have been necessary.

"We demand immediate political action to protect those still sailing to Gaza and to end our complicity in this genocide."