Calls for independent investigation into aid ship attack

The Rochdale Council of Mosques and Simon Danczuk, MP have called for an independent investigation into the Israeli’s attack on the Gaza aid ship, the Mavi Marmara.

Chair person of Rochdale Council of Mosques Mr Mushtaq Ahmad said: “Rochdale Council of Mosques deplores Israel's deadly assault on the Gaza-bound aid flotilla. There must be a prompt and independent investigation into this tragic event. The humanitarian suffering in Gaza has to stop and the UN Security Council's resolution to lift the blockade is a critical and binding international obligation which we welcome.

“We call upon people of all different political parties, and of diverse faiths, to unify for the importance of urgently relieving the starvation of Gaza, and allowing full access for humanitarian aid. We urge you to support the call from Palestinian civil society for boycotts, divestment and sanctions on Israel until it abides by international law and respects Palestinian rights.”

Mr Ahmed concluded “Whilst we welcome the statement from the foreign secretary we urge the British government to make urgent representations to the United Nations, NATO and other international bodies to ensure that a speedy and impartial investigation is carried out into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, especially as British Citizens were on board the flotilla at the time of the unprovoked attack.

“We urge the community to join in vigils and peaceful protest, lobby your councils and cross-party politicians. Help to stop this barbaric apartheid system.”

Mr Danczuk backed the calls for an investigation, he said: “Attacking an aid ship in international waters, against international law, and killing some of the occupants is utterly disgraceful. Time and again we see the Israeli state making unilateral violent attacks anywhere in the world, acting like what can only be described as a rogue nation.”

“I agree that we need an immediate independent, objective inquiry into exactly what has happened around this attack and the full weight of international law should be applied to anyone found guilty of breaking that law.”