UN to deliver the Flotilla's humanitarian aid to Gaza

16.06.2010 United Nations Organization on Tuesday accepted a responsibility of delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip which was arrested by Israel on May 31 during attack at Freedom Flotilla, reports France Presse referring to statement of Robert Serry, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.

The UN is ready to accept this exclusive responsibility, said Serry having added that the UN had got the sanction of Israel and cargo owners to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip.

In the night of May 31 Israeli warships detained vessels of international Freedom Flotilla which was established by human rights activists and carried humanitarian aid to blocked Palestinian Gaza Strip. At least 9 out of somewhat 600 participants were killed. Dozens were injured, hundreds were arrested and then deported.

As for Israeli authorities, that were commandos who were attacked first and so had to open fire for self-defense.

Israeli government approved Monday a decision to investigate circumstances of the Flotilla interception and formed independent public committee including foreign observers. However, Israel refused to conduct independent international inquiry which was offered by many officials including Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General.

The Gaza Strip has been under blockade since June 2007 when Islamite movement Hamas rose to power. Underground tunnels have become one of the main ways to deliver goods and food supplies to the blocked area.

According to Israel, the tunnels are also used for arms delivery to Palestinian militants.