U.N. Rights Council Begins Questioning Flotilla Witnesses
Investigators from the United Nations Human Rights Council have begun questioning witnesses of Israel’s May 31 capture of a Gaza-bound boat in which nine people died, the UN said on Monday.
An official statement said the 3-person team was now in Turkey, under whose flag the vessel was registered, after hearing other witnesses in London and Geneva. After two weeks, it would move on to Amman in Jordan.
The team – judges from Britain and Trinidad and a Malaysian human rights campaigner – has been refused entry by Israel which says pro-Palestinian activists on the boat were killed when they fought back against its commandos.
The trio are due to present their report to the 47-nation council on September 27, according to a schedule for the body’s 3-week autumn session which starts on September 13.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
