U.N. report condemns Israeli attack

Israeli naval commandoes intercepted and attacked the humanitarian Freedom Flotilla, aimed at breaking the blockade of Gaza, on May 31. Eight Turkish activists and one Turkish-American were killed on board the Mavi Marmara, a Turkish ship, which was in international waters.

Israeli forces “gravely violated international humanitarian and human rights laws” when they attacked this aid flotilla, according to the United Nations Human Rights Council’s fact-finding mission in a report issued Sept. 22.

The report revealed that forensic evidence showed that 19-year-old Turkish-American Furkan Dogan and five Turkish citizens were killed execution-style by the Israeli commandos.

The Turkish government gave the autopsy report on Dogan, a U.S. citizen, to the U.S. government in July. Nothing was done nor has the U.S. press reported this.

The scathing 56-page report puts the blame squarely on Israel for the fatal commando assault. It said that the Israeli military’s conduct “towards the flotilla passengers” showed “unnecessary and incredible violence” and “an unacceptable level of brutality. Such conduct cannot be justified or condoned on security or any other grounds.” (UN.org, Sept. 23)

The report cited “clear evidence” of violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention, including “willful killing, torture or inhuman treatment and willfully causing great suffering or serious injury to body or health.”

The report strongly recommends prosecution for violations of international law. Israel must provide “prompt” and “adequate compensation” to “those who suffered loss as a result of the unlawful actions of the Israeli military,” said the panel.

It also called the situation in Gaza a “humanitarian crisis” and said the blockade of Gaza is “totally intolerable and unacceptable.” While Israel claims to have eased the blockade, many essential goods are still not allowed into Gaza. Residents are not allowed to freely exit or visitors to enter, including relatives.

The U.N. panel criticized the Israeli government for not cooperating with its inquiry. Israel has belligerently opposed any independent investigation into the lethal raid and held its own bogus inquiries in the face of international criticism.

The report will be presented to the 57-member U.N. Human Rights Council.

The mission’s stance reflects the international outrage expressed toward Israel for its lethal assault on the flotilla. Millions of people worldwide protested and many governments issued condemnations after the May 31 attack. The response showed strong, widespread support for Gaza’s people and opposition to Israel’s blockade.

The big-business-owned U.S. press has barely covered the news of this report, which is not surprising since the U.S. government is closely aligned with Israel and refused to condemn the fatal raid.

Another convoy to Gaza

The Viva Palestina Lifeline 5 solidarity convoy is now underway. Kevin Ovenden and Nicci Enchmarch, both survivors of the attack on the Mavi Marmara, are leading this caravan to bring urgent medical aid to Gaza.

Joining them are representatives from organizations in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Malaysia, along with volunteers from the U.S., Britain and the north of Ireland. Participants will join from France, Italy, Greece and Turkey as the convoy proceeds.

Since the Mavi Marmara attack, more people than ever are determined to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza. According to Viva Palestina, “This is the biggest and most international convoy set to break the siege of Gaza so far.” (vivapalestina.org) Check the group’s website for updates.