Europe Condemns Israel Killings, Calls For End To Gaza Siege

Europe condemns Israel killings, calls for end to Gaza siege | World Bulletin
Israeli commandos shot dead eight Turk activists and an American of Turkish origin on board Turkish ship Mavi Marmara on May 31.

The European Parliament on Thursday debated and voted a resolution which condemns Israel over its raid on the flotilla heading for Gaza and calls for an immediate end to blockade on that territory.

The resolution condemns Israel for its military operation on Gaza-bound flotilla carrying humanitarian aid. Israeli commandos shot dead eight Turk activists and an American of Turkish origin on board Turkish ship Mavi Marmara on May 31.

The resolution, drafted jointly by political groups in the parliament, says Israeli attack was a breach of international law.

It calls for a prompt international and impartial inquiry into the raid and calls on European countries to raise this demand. Read more.

Gaza flotilla: EU Parliament calls for international inquiry and end to blockade
By Yossi Lempkowicz | European Jewish Press

The European Parliament on Thursday called for an international and impartial inquiry into Israel's attack on a Gaza-bound flotilla and the end to the Gaza Strip blockade, in a resolution adopted by 470 votes in favour, 56 against and 56 abstentions.

Israel should "immediately" end the Gaza blockade, “which has resulted in a humanitarian disaster, paralyzed the Gaza Strip's reconstruction and economy and aggravated political radicalization,” the resolution said.

They called on EU’s foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton to submit an EU plan to the Mideast Quartet to help end the blockade.

The MEP’s also proposed an international monitoring of the crossings into Gaza, including the re-activation of the EU Border Assistance Mission (EU-BAM), in order to address Israel's security concerns. Read more.