Cynthia McKinney (Taylor Media Services) Former U.S. Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney was among a group of humanitarian activists whose ship was seized by the Israeli navy last week as it attempted to deliver food and medicine to Palestinians in the blockaded Gaza Strip.

On June 30, McKinney was aboard the Greek-flagged Free Gaza Movement's ship Spirit of Humanity carrying 21 activists including Irish peace activist Mairead McGuire, medical supplies, cement, olive trees and toys, when it was seized by the Israeli Navy 18 mi (29 km) off the Gaza coast. It is unclear whether they were in international waters or in Gazan waters, which is subject to the Israeli blockade of Gaza. The 20 activists were scheduled to be released this week. Israel has blockaded the Palestinian territory since the militant group Hamas won elections there in June of 2007.

Critics charge the Israeli blockade has resulted in hunger and medical-supply shortages among the Palestinians.

But the U.S. and Europe have voiced little criticism of the harsh Israeli measures.

McKinney and two others were reportedly released from prision on July 6th.

She served as a Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993–2003 and 2005–2007.

She is the first African- American woman to have represented Georgia in the House of Representatives.