UAE condemns Israeli attack on humanitarian flotilla to Gaza

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday expressed strong condemnation of Israel's attack on a humanitarian flotilla heading to Gaza, the state news agency WAM reported.

"The UAE strongly condemns the inhumane and criminal infliction of force carried out by Israel on the humanitarian convoy of civilians that has resulted in the death of at least 19 innocent aid workers and the wounding of several more," the report said.

The Gulf nation also condemned the violation of international law committed by the Israeli army in international waters against innocent civilians, it added.

The international community should work together to end "the continued collective and barbaric punishment" imposed by Israel on the Palestinian people, the report said.

In a statement, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan called on the secretary general of the UN to order an international investigation into the incident, according to WAM.

"The deaths of innocent civilians working to deliver basic humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza is a clear violation of international law and a moral outrage of the highest order," Sheikh Abdullah said.

"Such an incident should not pass uncensored and Israel must face the consequence of its actions. The UN Security Council should convene an emergency session and take appropriate action," he added.

Israeli forces on Monday attacked an international flotilla carrying aid to besieged Gaza, killing up to 16 and wounding more than 30 others, an Israeli television reported.

Source: Xinhua