UN pushes for intl probe into Israeli flotilla raid

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday urged Israel to agree to an international investigation of its deadly commando raid last month on a Gaza-bound aid convoy, and also called on the Israeli government to do "much more" to meet the needs of the Palestinians living there. The UN chief, speaking to reporters, said he has been trying to arrange the "prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation conforming to international standards" that the UN Security Council called for on June 1. Ban said Israel's own investigation into the flotilla raid – a public commission with two international observers – "is important" but lacks "international credibility," which is why he is continuing to urge the Israeli government to agree to an international panel under a third party "in which both Turkey and Israel would actively participate." The ships in the flotilla were Turkish flagged, and nine Turks died in the raid. He also said he was encouraged to see Israel reviewing its Gaza policy and its recent decision to allow more goods into Palestinian territory, but added that he wants a greater easing of the Israeli blockade.