UN members and officials came out in strong condemnation of Israel's attack on a humanitarian flotilla headed to the Gaza strip. UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki-moon sought a "full explanation" from the country.<br/><br/>The Security Council also convened an emergency meeting on Sunday to discuss a draft resolution, to call for an international inquiry into the incident and compensation<br/>for those who had been killed. <br/><br/>The operations by Israeli naval commandos killed 10 activists and injured dozens others, sparking a global outrage. <br/><br/>Israel, in turn, accused the people on board the ship of having turned on its soldiers with knives and metal rods and said the defence personnel had acted in self defence. In individual statements, the 15 UNSC members issued remarks, almost all condemning the assault.<br/><br/>Veto-wielding permanent members France, Russia and China called for the blockade of Gaza to be lifted and sought an independent inquiry into the bloody episode. The United States, which is Israel's main ally, regretted the loss of life but did not condemn the attacks. It urged Israel to undertake a domestic inquiry.<br/><br/>Israel has decided to expel 48 international activists from 480 detained from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla while the Navy is ready to stop another aid ship due to arrive in Gaza on Wednesday. <br/><br/>Radio reports said today that nineteen people were killed and more than 30 injured on Monday during an Israeli military raid against the flotilla carrying aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. The ship was carrying more than 700 people. <br/><br/>Meanwhile, the Israeli Navy is ready to stop another aid ship heading to Gaza. The MV Rachel Corrie, a converted merchant ship, would reach Gaza waters on Wednesday.<br/>
News On AIR | June 1, 2010 1:12 PM
UNSG seeks full explanation from Israel