A German woman who took part in an attempt to breach the naval blockade of Gaza pretended to be Jewish in order to take part.

According to Berlin newspaper Der Tagesspiegel, Edith Lutz may not have formally converted to Judaism.

Ms Lutz was part of the Jewish boat that attempted to sail to Gaza last week. The boat, named the Irene, was intercepted by the Israeli navy and redirected to Ashdod.

A reporter for Der Tagesspiegel said that when interviewed Ms Lutz had not “dispelled the suspicion” she is not Jewish.

He said: “Edith Lutz is definitely a Jew, like a smoked pork chop is kosher.”

In June a television programme described Ms Lutz as a representative of German Jews.

The group, whose trip was organised by Jews for Justice for Palestinians (JfJfP), flew home on the Israeli airline El Al.