23 Jan 2011

Israeli inquiry on Gaza flotilla raid due for release

10:21 pm on 23 January 2011

An Israeli inquiry is due to publish its first findings into a military raid on aid ships trying to reach Gaza last May.

Nine Turkish activists were killed in the raid, which attracted widespread international condemnation.

A New Zealander on the flotilla was among those detained by Israel.

A separate United Nations inquiry said the commandos had shown an unacceptable level of brutality.

The Free Gaza Flotilla with over 600 pro-Palestinian activists on board was trying to break Israel's blockade of the territory.

It was intercepted by Israeli navy commandos and nine Turks were killed.

Israel said its forces acted in self defence, but those on board the flotilla said they were savagely attacked.

Israel set up its own inquiry.

According to leaks in the Israeli press, its initial findings will largely clear the navy of wrong doing.

The BBC reports that if that happens Israel's critics will likely call it a whitewash.