The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories (B’Tselem) is demanding that Israel conduct an “immediate, independent and effective” investigation into the Israeli raid that killed 19 activists and wounded dozens more who were attempting to reach Gaza aboard the Freedom Flotilla.B’Tselem added that this investigation must be carried out by a group that is not affiliated with the Israel army.
It said that the investigation must determine whether or not the army used proportionate force, and if the soldiers had sufficient training for the unusual circumstances they were operating in.
B’Tselem also said that this probe must determined whether the soldiers were equipped with the correct mean, what where the open-fire regulations, and whether alternate. options were considered before opening fire at the activists.
The Israeli army claimed that the soldiers had to use their firearms after they were attacked by the activists.
B’Tselem said that this statement is totally based on the testimonies of the Israeli soldiers who attacked the ship, and that a comprehensive investigation must be carried out before reaching conclusions.
The investigation must include testimonies of eyewitnesses whether soldiers or the activists who participated in the flotilla and are currently kidnapped and interrogated by Israel.
