A court has returned a “not guilty” verdict on activists who caused a quarter of a million pounds' worth of damage to the property of the arms company EDO/ITT.

Global human rights organisations are asking the Israeli government to lift completely, and without delay, its crippling economic and humanitarian blockade on Gaza.

Belfast Crown Court has acquitted nine campaigners who were charged with “intent to cause criminal damage” after protesting against Raytheon, one of the world's largest arms firms.

The Israeli government was accused of piracy today after it invaded and seized the MV Rachel Corrie aid ship heading for blockaded Gaza, arresting the activists on board.