Amnesty: "Israeli" Probe neither Independent nor Transparent

Local Editor

Amnesty International criticized "Israel's" proposed investigation on its military attack against Gaza aid flotilla, as lacking transparency and unlikely to ensure accountability over the deaths during the operation.

"The format of this government-appointed Commission represents a disappointment and a missed opportunity," said Malcolm Smart, Amnesty International's director for the Middle East and North Africa.

"The Commission looks to be neither independent nor sufficiently transparent," he added.

Smart pointed out that the two international observers who will only participate in the hearings and discussions of the commission as observers, might also be denied access to crucial information.

Any information considered almost certain to cause substantial harm to "Israel's" national security can be withheld from the international observers.

The commission will not have access to "Israeli" military members who were involved in the planning and implementation of the military action, except for the chief of staff.

"The processes of the Commission must be open, transparent and allow access to all information sources, it should not allow the political considerations of the "Israeli" government to determine which of its findings are made public," Smart said.

Amnesty director added that it puts into serious question the possibility that anyone found to have ordered or committed human rights violations or violations of international humanitarian law, will be held accountable.

Smart noted that the creation of this Commission must not distract attention from "Israel's" continuing blockade of Gaza, which "Israel" must lift immediately."

"The Israeli authorities' closure of Gaza constitutes collective punishment and is in clear violation of "Israel's" legal obligations as the occupying power," he added.

The mechanisms available within "Israel" for investigating complaints have been widely criticized.

Amnesty added, "Despite repeated calls from the UN General Assembly, in the 18 months, "Israel" has so far failed to conduct investigations that are independent, credible and in conformity with international standards over the alleged war crimes and other serious international law violations."

"Those selected to conduct such inquiry should be persons of acknowledged impartiality, competence and expertise," Amnesty concluded.