Israel has said it will not be prosecuting the pro-Palestinian activists detained after the weekend's fighting on the Gaza-bound aid flotilla.

The move comes as Israel prepares to send 325 of the activists home immediately, with the remaining number expected to be flown home in the next 48 hours.

An aide said Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu had made the decision after consulting his cabinet.

Turkish planes have landed in Israel to return nationals to the country, while others are at Ben Gurion airport awaiting flights.

In total, 682 activists will be sent home, including the 31 Britons who were on the aid ships.

Detainees who do not leave Israel voluntarily may be deported anyway.