An Ardoyne resident has returned to Northern Ireland after being detained by Israeli forces while taking part in a humanitarian mission to Gaza.

Fra Hughes was among activists on vessels that attempted to deliver medical supplies and food through the blockade. His boat was intercepted on international waters approximately 250 miles from Gaza.

Hughes stated that Israeli personnel boarded the vessel, ordered those on board to the front, and transferred them to a prison ship where they were held for around 36 hours. He said personal items including passports were removed and that participants were required to keep their heads down.

He described being moved to Ashdod port and later to Ktzi'ot Prison, where he refused to sign documents without representation from the Irish Embassy. Hughes reported being taken before a judge and shown footage related to October 7.

On Friday he was transported to an airport under guard and flown to Istanbul, where medical checks were provided. He returned to Dublin on Saturday.

Hughes said he felt degraded by the experience and remained angry. He stated that the events on the flotilla were minor compared to conditions faced by Palestinian prisoners.