Mairead Maguire, who was detained by Israeli authorities for one week before being deported during the last mission, will be part of an eight ship flotilla to Palestine at the end of the month.

Irish ship, the MV Rachel Corrie, aims to breach the port blockade and bring in medical, educational and building supplies.

The 40-year-old ship, at one time part of the Guinness fleet, was bought at auction for 70,000 euro last month before being named after an American human rights activist killed in a protest to stop Israeli forces bulldozing Palestinian homes in 2003.

"This is the voice of the non-violent saying to the Israeli Government this is not acceptable, we have to end this blockade," Ms Maguire said.

"If Israel chooses to stop this humanitarian attempt by the people it will highlight to the governments that actions must be taken to hold the Israelis accountable."

Ms Maguire was on board a boat stopped by Israeli authorities last July as it attempted to sail from Cyprus to Gaza.

The latest mission is supported by the Free Gaza Movement, human rights groups such as the Turkish Relief Foundation, the Perdana Global Peace Organisation from Malaysia, the European Campaign to End the Siege of Gaza and the Swedish and Greek Boat to Gaza initiatives.

Five boat supply trips by the Free Gaza Movement have been successful and two have failed.

The MV Rachel Corrie was secured for the trip after a boat, originally named the MV Linda, was abandoned in Dundalk port with the crew left without wages or supplies.