UN Security Council calls for impartial probe in Israeli ship raid

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 01 June 2010, 06:58 GMT]
The UN Security Council has called for an impartial inquiry “conforming to international standards” into Israel's raid on a flotilla of Gaza-bound aid ships, the BBC reported Tuesday morning. A Presidential statement by the UNSC said the inquiry should be "prompt, impartial, credible and transparent". Agreement on it was reached after hours of discussion as the council deliberated through the night. It comes within a day of the Israeli military action which resulted in at least ten deaths of pro-Palestinian activists who launched a six-ship convoy to deliver aid to the Hamas-controlled region. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also called for a full investigation, telling reporters in Kampala, Uganda: "It is vital that there is a full investigation to determine exactly how this bloodshed took place. I believe Israel must urgently provide a full explanation."

The Security Council's emergency session continues behind closed doors at the UN headquarters in New York., the BBC said, with member states debating a possible reaction to Israel's military action in international waters.

The full text of the UNSC Presidential statement follows:

The Security Council deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries resulting from the use of force during the Israeli military operation in international waters against the convoy sailing to Gaza. The Council, in this context, condemns those acts which resulted in the loss of at least ten civilians and many wounded, and expresses its condolences to their families.

The Security Council requests the immediate release of the ships as well as the civilians held by Israel. The Council urges Israel to permit full consular access, to allow the countries concerned to retrieve their deceased and wounded immediately, and to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance from the convoy to its destination.

The Security Council takes note of the statement of the UN Secretary-General on the need to have a full investigation into the matter and it calls for a prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation conforming to international standards.

The Security Council stresses that the situation in Gaza is not sustainable. The Council re-emphasizes the importance of the full implementation of Resolutions 1850 and 1860. In that context, it reiterates its grave concern at the humanitarian situation in Gaza and stresses the need for sustained and regular flow of goods and people to Gaza as well as unimpeded provision and distribution of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.

The Security Council underscores that the only viable solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict is an agreement negotiated between the parties and re-emphasises that only a two-State solution, with an independent and viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbours, could bring peace to the region.

The Security Council expresses support for the proximity talks and voices concern that this incident took place while the proximity talks are underway and urges the parties to act with restraint, avoiding any unilateral and provocative actions, and all international partners to promote an atmosphere of cooperation between the parties and throughout the region.

Chronology: