ISRAEL - Israeli authorities are preparing to deport 21 pro-Palestinian activists who were detained after their Gaza-bound boat, Handala, was intercepted in international waters late Saturday. The activists,

Israel is seeking to deport pro-Palestinian activists who were detained and brought to shore when their Gaza-bound boat was intercepted by the navy, a legal aid centre advising them said on Sunday. The 21 activists from 10 countries were taken into custody late Saturday when the Handala was boarded in international waters as it attempted to breach an Israeli maritime blockade of the Palestinian territory.

Three foreign activists aboard a Gaza-bound aid ship seized by Israel have agreed to be deported to their home countries, an Israeli legal center said Sunday. Adalah center said Antonio Mazzeo of Italy, Gabrielle Cathala of France, and US activist Jacob Berger agreed to immediate deportation.