Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’ has appeared before an Israeli commission probing the attack on Gaza aid flotilla.

He used the opportunity to reiterate his defence of Israeli forces’ killing of nine activists aboard a Turkish ship carrying aid to besieged Gaza. So what’s new? Israel has once again succeeded in almost walking away from the murder of civilians. Almost, because even if it is held accountable—and it wouldn’t be by this inquiry at least, since it is set up by Tel Aviv under international pressure as a measure to show some semblance of conscience—it will not be made to pay.
Does it even matter to Israel how the world has come to see its true colours? A look in the mirror might reveal the ugliness of illegal occupation of territory, blatant violation of international law and human rights, not to forget the condoning of policies that reek of state terrorism. After all, it has to date remained cocooned and sheltered in the support of its western allies, particularly United States. So what, if Turkey enraged by the murder of its nationals has cut off ties with Tel Aviv. It seems Israel is more than adamant in pursuing the path of confrontation. There is a complete lack of remorse and the courage to own up to the crime. Netanyahu believes that Israeli soldiers acted in accordance with international law to prevent weapons being smuggled in on the ship. It is a charge vehemently opposed by the organisers of the aid flotilla. Israel’s concern over rising international condemnation only led to a nominal easing of the siege on Gaza and setting up an inquiry into the flotilla raid. Even more interesting is Netanyahu’s observation that there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The argument offered by him is that the situation was manipulated by Hamas to gain maximum leverage.
At last, the Israeli leader has inadvertently provided the proof in the pudding. Strange how Israel’s perspective is in total contradiction to the ground reality, one corroborated by organisations like United Nation. Gaza has been suffering the wrath of Israel for the past many years for voting the Palestinian militant group Hamas into power in 2006. It has been subjected to a severe siege restricting food, medicines, education, reconstruction material and even toys, leading to a humanitarian crisis as warned by the UN. A situation, that has only been ignored by the West, thus leading to an involuntary perpetuation of Israel’s crimes. It is truly shameful to have allowed a blatant violation and disregard of international law and human rights on such a scale for so long.
Irrespective of the outcome of other flotilla raid inquiries in the pipelines, the bigger issue is of Israeli policies towards Palestinians. It must not be tolerated any longer. If Israel is to be punished for its injustices and atrocities it must recompense first by giving the Palestinians their due rights.