Salma Yaqoob

Israel's announcement of an inquiry into its attack on the Gaza freedom flotilla is a sham.

At least nine people died on board the Mavi Marmara at the hands of Israeli commandos. And despite outrage around the world, Israel has predictably refused to give in to demands for an international investigation, or indeed any investigation that it cannot control.

Equally predictably, the latest Israeli attempt to cover up its crimes has the backing of the USA.



The investigation will be headed by a former Israeli Supreme Court judge. And in a half-hearted attempt to provide the appearance of impartiality, there will be two international observers; a retired Canadian judge, and former first minister of Northern Ireland, David Trimble.

This is the same David Trimble who, according to the Israeli paper Haaretz, "...joined the 'Friends of Israel' initiative launched in Paris some two weeks ago, in which Israel's former ambassador to the United Nations, Dore Gold, was also involved. Gold is considered a close associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu."

David Trimble has absolutely no credibility as an independent observer of an enquiry that is entirely under the control of the Israeli government.

And while Israel continues its cover up, the suffering of the people of Gaza goes on.

According to a statement from the International Committee for the Red Cross today, "The whole of Gaza's civilian population is being punished for acts for which they bear no responsibility. The closure therefore constitutes a collective punishment imposed in clear violation of Israel's obligations under international humanitarian law."