Israel approves flotilla probe

Israel's retired supreme court justice to head an inquiry into the navy's attack on a Gaza-bound flotilla.

Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in a cabinet meeting that Northern Irish Nobel Peace Prize laureate William David Trimble, and retired Canadian military judge advocate general Ken Watkin will take part as observers in the Gaza Aid Flotilla inquiry headed by Israel's retired Supreme Court justice, Jacob Turkel.
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JERUSALEM // Israel's cabinet has given final approval for an official investigation into the navy's bloody attack on a Gaza-bound flotilla two weeks ago. A retired Israeli supreme court justice will head the inquiry and it will include two high-ranking foreign observers: Nobel Peace laureate David Trimble of Ireland and Canada's former chief military prosecutor, Ken Watkin. The Cabinet gave its approval today.

Israel has come under harsh criticism for its May 31 raid on the flotilla. Nine pro-Palestinian activists were killed in the raid. The addition of the foreign observers is meant to boost the credibility of the Israeli-led probe. The White House has backed Israel's inquiry into the raid, calling it "an important step forward." * AP