NEW YORK, June 1, 2010 (WAFA) – UN Security Council condemned Acts Resulting in Civilian Deaths during Israeli Operation against Gaza-Bound Aid Convoy, Calls for Investigation.
In Presidential Statement Also Briefed by United Nations Political Official, Who said, “Bloodshed Would Have Been Avoided if Israel Had Lifted Unacceptable, Counterproductive Blockade.”
The statement reads:
“In the early morning hours of Tuesday, the Security Council expressed deep regret at the loss of life and injuries resulting from the use of force during the Israeli military operation early on Monday in international waters against the convoy sailing to Gaza, and condemned those acts which had killed at least 10 civilians and wounded many more.”
“Twelve hours after convening an emergency session on Monday in response to the Israeli “operation” on the Gaza-bound maritime convoy, the Council issued the statement, read out by Claude Heller of Mexico, whose delegation leads the Council in June (Lebanon was the Council President until midnight, 31 May), requesting the immediate release of the ships, as well as the civilians held by Israel.”
“The Council urged 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.”
“It took note of the statement of United Nations Secretary-General on the need to have a full investigation into the matter and it called for a prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation conforming to international standards.”
“Stressing that the situation in Gaza was not sustainable, the Council re‑emphasized the importance of the full implementation of resolutions 1850 (2008) and 1860 (2009). In that context, it reiterated its grave concern at the humanitarian situation in Gaza and stressed the need for the sustained and regular flow of goods and people to Gaza, as well as unimpeded provision and distribution of humanitarian assistance throughout the enclave. The Council also expressed support for the proximity talks.”
“At an earlier meeting Monday afternoon, Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, briefed the Council on the incident, reporting that Israeli naval forces had boarded a six-ship convoy, which had been heading towards Gaza. The stated purpose of the convoy was to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza, he said, making clear the United Nations has no independent information on what transpired.”
He said, “In the lead-up to today’s events, the Israeli authorities had conveyed their intention, both publicly and through diplomatic channels, not to allow the convoy to reach Gaza. The Israeli authorities had stated that if the convoy proceeded, contrary to those warnings, they would divert it to an Israeli port, inspect the cargo, facilitate the entry of only those goods that were allowed into Gaza in accordance with Israel’s blockade, and deport those on-board.”
“The organizers of the convoy had indicated their intention to proceed with their convoy and to attempt to deliver their full consignment of cargo to Gaza and to break the blockade, he said. And a committee of persons organized by the de facto Hamas authorities in Gaza had been formed to receive the convoy.”
The emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council was convened on the initiative of Turkey and Lebanon after the Israeli naval vessels attacked a humanitarian convoy in the neutral waters, which was going to the Gaza Strip. At least 10 people died and some 30 were wounded as a result of the attack.
