Dundee activist welcomes UN report into Gaza aid flotilla attacks

A Dundee activist who was on board the ship transporting aid to Gaza when it was attacked by Israeli forces has welcomed a UN report which found that the Israeli military had acted unlawfully.

Ali (left) and brother Khalid El-Awaisi.

By Laura Thomas
Published in the Courier : 24.09.10
Published online : 24.09.10 @ 11.43am

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Ali El-Awaisi (21) had been on the Mavi Marmara, part of a flotilla attempting to run the blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid, when the raid occurred — leaving nine dead.

Last month, he joined more than 100 witnesses from countries including Britain, Jordan, Switzerland and Turkey in giving evidence to the UN inquiry into the fateful events.

The conclusions of the UN Human Rights Council's fact-finding mission were released this week.

They said there was clear evidence to support prosecutions against Israel for "wilful killing."

"The report condemns the actions of the night of May 21, and helps show the world what happened," said Ali.

"The UN is a body many people trust and they will believe what comes from it and support it.

"The best part of the report for me is that it shows that Israel acted illegally. But we have to ask if the inquiry will put pressure on Israel and force it to evaluate what happened."

In the 56-page report, the UN fact finding mission also said the Israeli blockade of Palestinian territory was "unlawful."

Ali plans to travel with a ship carrying aid in the next few months. It was originally scheduled to leave next month but has been delayed due to "logistics."

Israel has rejected the report as biased. There is also a separate UN inquiry-ordered by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon-into the flotilla raid. Israel has said it will co-operate with the investigation.