More than 100 Arab nationals were due to leave early on June 2, with Israel aiming to complete deportations within 48 hours.

At least nine pro-Palestinian activists died when Israeli commandos raided the six-ship convoy early on May 31.

Israel says its troops acted in self-defence, but campaigners deny this.

The incident has sparked widespread concern and led to calls for Israel to lift its blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Israel has maintained control of Gaza's airspace and territorial waters, as well as most of its land borders, since withdrawing troops and settlers from the territory in 2005.

According to the UN, Gaza receives about one-quarter of the supplies it used to receive in the years before the blockade was tightened in 2007.

Israel and Egypt sealed off the territory after militant group Hamas seized power there in 2007.