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Israel

Report on Gaza aid ship affair to criticise Israeli military

An Israeli military report that is to be released Monday on the deadly navy raid on a Gaza-bound aid ship in May is expected criticise how the military prepared its operation, but it will not call for disciplinary action against specific officers, according to reports in the Israeli press.

Reuters
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The Israeli press reports that witnesses and sources who have spoke to the head of the committee running the military investigation, retired Major General Giora Eiland, say the report is very critical of the military.

Eliand is also reportedly also critical of the government, but the report will not address politicians. The government-appointed Turkel Committee is expected to use the military report as a starting point for an investigation into the government’s role in the affair.

Another investigation is expected by the State Comptroller's Office.

Turkey, which has demanded an apology from Israel, has rejected the Israeli-led investigation, and has asked for an independent probe.

Nine Turkish activists were killed after Israeli Navy commandos boarded a Turkish-flagged aid ship on 31 May. Passengers on the ship allege the military opened fire needlessly, while the military maintains the commandos were threatened by people wielding clubs and knives.

Israel has rejected demands from Turkey for an apology.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Navy is getting ready to stop a Libyan aid ship headed to Gaza, though it is likely that the ship will sail to Egyptian port of El-Arish.

Yousef Sawani, who heads the group that chartered the ship, the Gaddafi International Charity and Development Foundation, said passengers want to reach Gaza, and dismissed reports that would dock in El-Arish.

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