Isle of Wight's Gaza flotilla man back home

An Isle of Wight man who was on board a convoy of boats intercepted by Israeli forces as it tried to approach Gaza has arrived home.

Peter Venner, from Ryde, was on the Mavi Marmara which was carrying aid supplies when it was boarded by armed commandos last month.

Despite being held in Israel and deported he says he is determined to return to Gaza to offer his help.

Thirty-six British nationals were held in the raid in which nine people died.

Mr Venner said: "I am a bit tired but happy to be back.

"I am still piecing together all the events that have happened in my own mind.

"Because I knew we were going out to take part in something Israel didn't approve of... we thought we would come across Israel and knew we could ultimately get sunk so I left instructions as to what to do if I didn't return within five years.

"As you can imagine, I am very pleased to be back as I thought there was a 10% or 20% chance I would not.

"I am hoping to do it again, what I would love to see is a proper supply chain which allows shipping containers to be taken in."

Israel stepped up its blockade of Gaza in 2007, when the Hamas movement took control of the territory.

Defending the blockade, Israel said there was no humanitarian crisis in Gaza - and accused Hamas of blocking the supply of aid into the territory.