26 june 2011
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Fire on the Marmara : Telesur
Documentary about the Flotilla to Gaza that was attacked by the israeli commandos in 2010
May they rest in peace |
24 june 2011
Ya'alon: Israel won't apologize for flotilla raid
Minister Ya'alon met Turkish foreign ministry officials last week as part of attempts to solve crisis with Ankara; stressed Israel won't apologize for actions but will compensate victims' families.
Minister Moshe Ya'alon met with Turkish foreign ministry senior officials last week, Channel 2 reported Thursday.
The meeting, which was held in Europe, was meant to resolve the crisis brought on by May 2010's deadly flotilla raid. State officials told Ynet this was a recent development and confirmed there were several meetings with Turkish representatives held last week.
Israel has stressed it will not apologize for the IDF's actions, but Minister Ya'alon expressed willingness to pay compensation for the families of the victims. "Israel is willing to regret the loss of lives but will not apologize," a source familiar with the issue said. "We cannot guarantee Israel and Turkey will reach an understanding," he noted.
State officials told Ynet that Israel wants to calm the atmosphere and convene a meeting with high ranking Turkish officials, referring to the president, defense minister and prime minister. It remains unclear whether such a meeting will in fact take place.
"The Turks were on the Iran-Syria axis and this axis is not looking good these days," a state official added. "Moreover, Turkey still fears the Palmer Committee report (the UN-appointed committee investigating the flotilla) and therefore it is expected Erdogan will try to calm relations with Israel."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a letter to his Turkish counterpart this week expressing hope that relations between the two nations will improve. He added that Israel's government will be happy to work with the new Turkish cabinet.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday criticized activists planning to challenge Israel's sea blockade of the Gaza Strip, saying their efforts are neither "necessary or useful" in helping the Palestinian people of Gaza.
"We do not believe the flotilla is a necessary or useful effort to try to assist the people of Gaza," Clinton told reporters at a news conference with the visiting foreign minister of the Philippines.
"We think that it's not helpful for there to be flotillas that try to provoke action by entering into Israeli waters and creating a situation in which the Israelis have the right to defend themselves."
On Wednesday, the State Department specifically discouraged US citizens from taking part in the flotilla, which is planned for later this month.
Minister Moshe Ya'alon met with Turkish foreign ministry senior officials last week, Channel 2 reported Thursday.
The meeting, which was held in Europe, was meant to resolve the crisis brought on by May 2010's deadly flotilla raid. State officials told Ynet this was a recent development and confirmed there were several meetings with Turkish representatives held last week.
Israel has stressed it will not apologize for the IDF's actions, but Minister Ya'alon expressed willingness to pay compensation for the families of the victims. "Israel is willing to regret the loss of lives but will not apologize," a source familiar with the issue said. "We cannot guarantee Israel and Turkey will reach an understanding," he noted.
State officials told Ynet that Israel wants to calm the atmosphere and convene a meeting with high ranking Turkish officials, referring to the president, defense minister and prime minister. It remains unclear whether such a meeting will in fact take place.
"The Turks were on the Iran-Syria axis and this axis is not looking good these days," a state official added. "Moreover, Turkey still fears the Palmer Committee report (the UN-appointed committee investigating the flotilla) and therefore it is expected Erdogan will try to calm relations with Israel."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a letter to his Turkish counterpart this week expressing hope that relations between the two nations will improve. He added that Israel's government will be happy to work with the new Turkish cabinet.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday criticized activists planning to challenge Israel's sea blockade of the Gaza Strip, saying their efforts are neither "necessary or useful" in helping the Palestinian people of Gaza.
"We do not believe the flotilla is a necessary or useful effort to try to assist the people of Gaza," Clinton told reporters at a news conference with the visiting foreign minister of the Philippines.
"We think that it's not helpful for there to be flotillas that try to provoke action by entering into Israeli waters and creating a situation in which the Israelis have the right to defend themselves."
On Wednesday, the State Department specifically discouraged US citizens from taking part in the flotilla, which is planned for later this month.
22 june 2011
Barak and Netanyahu 'criticized' in flotilla reports
Two reports about the Turkish flotilla to the Gaza Strip last year are expected to be issued in the very near future.
The first is the Israeli comptroller’s report about the government’s performance in the affair.
According to leaks that found their way into most of the Hebrew dailies on Tuesday, the state comptroller’s report is expected to criticize both Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak for their conduct.
The report is particularly concerned with the Israeli leaders' alleged failure to consult adequately with the entire security cabinet before ordering the takeover of the Mavi Marmara and the other ships in the flotilla.
A second, expected as early as the beginning of July, is the report by the official UN investigation.
According to Ma’ariv, that report will be issued against the backdrop of mounting Israeli and Turkish efforts to resolve the crisis in relations and to restore ties between the two countries to a more normal track.
The first is the Israeli comptroller’s report about the government’s performance in the affair.
According to leaks that found their way into most of the Hebrew dailies on Tuesday, the state comptroller’s report is expected to criticize both Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak for their conduct.
The report is particularly concerned with the Israeli leaders' alleged failure to consult adequately with the entire security cabinet before ordering the takeover of the Mavi Marmara and the other ships in the flotilla.
A second, expected as early as the beginning of July, is the report by the official UN investigation.
According to Ma’ariv, that report will be issued against the backdrop of mounting Israeli and Turkish efforts to resolve the crisis in relations and to restore ties between the two countries to a more normal track.
31 may 2011
Turkey marks Flotilla attack anniversary
Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian activists mark the first anniversary of Israel's deadly attack on the Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla in Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, May 30, 2011.
Large crowds of people have gathered in Istanbul to mark the first anniversary of the deadly Israeli attack on the Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla.
Tens of thousands of protesters in Istanbul's Taksim Square denounced the attack by Israeli naval forces on the civilian convoy, the Press TV correspondent in Istanbul reported.
On May 31, 2010, Israeli commandos attacked the six-vessel Gaza Freedom Flotilla in international waters to prevent the convoy from accomplishing its blockade-busting mission.
In the assault, nine Turkish nationals, including a teenager with Turkish-US dual citizenship, were killed and dozens were injured.
The demonstrators expressed support for the families of the people killed in the incident and also demanded that Israel lift its illegal siege of the Gaza Strip.
Earlier on Monday, peace activists gathered on the deck of the Mavi Marmara -- the ship where the nine people were killed and which is now preparing to sail for Gaza again next month -- and warned Israel not to interfere with the next flotilla.
The convoy, which has been named the Freedom Flotilla II, will comprise some 15 aid vessels and over 1,500 activists of around 100 different nationalities.
According to the organizers, the ultimate mission of the flotilla is not only to provide humanitarian assistance but to draw the attention of the international community to the plight of Gazans, who have been cut off from the outside world for years due to the Israeli siege.
Nine flotillas have attempted to break Israel's illegal stranglehold since August 2008, but only five made it into Gaza. The Israeli military violently intercepted the fleets on the past four voyages, including the May 2010 flotilla, which was organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
The Freedom Flotilla II organizers say the move is an act of nonviolent disobedience meant to persuade the international community to fulfill its obligations toward the Palestinian people and to put pressure on Israel to end its siege.
Large crowds of people have gathered in Istanbul to mark the first anniversary of the deadly Israeli attack on the Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla.
Tens of thousands of protesters in Istanbul's Taksim Square denounced the attack by Israeli naval forces on the civilian convoy, the Press TV correspondent in Istanbul reported.
On May 31, 2010, Israeli commandos attacked the six-vessel Gaza Freedom Flotilla in international waters to prevent the convoy from accomplishing its blockade-busting mission.
In the assault, nine Turkish nationals, including a teenager with Turkish-US dual citizenship, were killed and dozens were injured.
The demonstrators expressed support for the families of the people killed in the incident and also demanded that Israel lift its illegal siege of the Gaza Strip.
Earlier on Monday, peace activists gathered on the deck of the Mavi Marmara -- the ship where the nine people were killed and which is now preparing to sail for Gaza again next month -- and warned Israel not to interfere with the next flotilla.
The convoy, which has been named the Freedom Flotilla II, will comprise some 15 aid vessels and over 1,500 activists of around 100 different nationalities.
According to the organizers, the ultimate mission of the flotilla is not only to provide humanitarian assistance but to draw the attention of the international community to the plight of Gazans, who have been cut off from the outside world for years due to the Israeli siege.
Nine flotillas have attempted to break Israel's illegal stranglehold since August 2008, but only five made it into Gaza. The Israeli military violently intercepted the fleets on the past four voyages, including the May 2010 flotilla, which was organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
The Freedom Flotilla II organizers say the move is an act of nonviolent disobedience meant to persuade the international community to fulfill its obligations toward the Palestinian people and to put pressure on Israel to end its siege.
30 may 2011
Report: Turkey defers naming new ambassador to Israel
Ankara's Hurriyet Daily says intended ambassador to Israel was reassigned to Vienna.
Ankara diplomats say Turkey has decided to reassign Kerim Uras – its intended ambassador to Israel – to Austria.
According to a Monday report in the Turkish daily Hurriyet, Uras, who was supposed to arrive in Tel Aviv in a matter of weeks, will head to Vienna instead, in what may signal that Turkey does not intend to resume full diplomatic relations with Israel at this time.
Uras was appointed for now-questioned post prior to the raid on the Gaza-bound Mavi Marmara, but the process was left suspended as tension between the two nations increased after the raid.
The newspaper hedged that Israel is likely to respond with a similar move and suspend the nomination of a new ambassador to Ankara, after current Israeli Ambassador to Turkey Gabby Levy's term come to its end, later this year.
The Hurriyet further said that the United States was trying to stop further deterioration in the relations between its two regional allies.
Washington, said the paper, has two major concerns at this time: The first – a possible Turkish retaliation against Israel, which could be announced on the nearing anniversary of the Marmara's raid; and the second - a second flotilla.
The US is reportedly applying diplomatic pressure on Turkey to stop the flotilla, saying in "needs to embrace a more common-sense policy."
The message sent both to Ankara and Jerusalem was that more martyrs will help nothing but create more instability and pains, Hurriyet said.
Ankara diplomats say Turkey has decided to reassign Kerim Uras – its intended ambassador to Israel – to Austria.
According to a Monday report in the Turkish daily Hurriyet, Uras, who was supposed to arrive in Tel Aviv in a matter of weeks, will head to Vienna instead, in what may signal that Turkey does not intend to resume full diplomatic relations with Israel at this time.
Uras was appointed for now-questioned post prior to the raid on the Gaza-bound Mavi Marmara, but the process was left suspended as tension between the two nations increased after the raid.
The newspaper hedged that Israel is likely to respond with a similar move and suspend the nomination of a new ambassador to Ankara, after current Israeli Ambassador to Turkey Gabby Levy's term come to its end, later this year.
The Hurriyet further said that the United States was trying to stop further deterioration in the relations between its two regional allies.
Washington, said the paper, has two major concerns at this time: The first – a possible Turkish retaliation against Israel, which could be announced on the nearing anniversary of the Marmara's raid; and the second - a second flotilla.
The US is reportedly applying diplomatic pressure on Turkey to stop the flotilla, saying in "needs to embrace a more common-sense policy."
The message sent both to Ankara and Jerusalem was that more martyrs will help nothing but create more instability and pains, Hurriyet said.
17 may 2011
Davutoglu: We will continue efforts to incriminate Israel over flotilla attack
Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said that his country would not pull out from the investigating committee formed by the UN human rights council to probe Israel's navy attack on the Freedom Flotilla.
The Turkish chief diplomat said in a televised statement on Tuesday that his country would continue its efforts to incriminate Israel over the incident.
He said that Turkey would not accept a change of the investigating committee's work into the incident in a bid to picture the crisis between Turkey and Israel as a political one and not a flagrant violation of the international law, adding that such an attempt would shake confidence in the UN.
He said that the only way that could return his country's relations with Israel to normalcy was an Israeli acknowledgement of its responsibility for the attack that left nine Turkish citizens dead and more than 30 others wounded in addition to compensating the victims.
Davutoglu warned Israel against attacking the Freedom Flotilla 2 while on its way to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza next month.
The Turkish chief diplomat said in a televised statement on Tuesday that his country would continue its efforts to incriminate Israel over the incident.
He said that Turkey would not accept a change of the investigating committee's work into the incident in a bid to picture the crisis between Turkey and Israel as a political one and not a flagrant violation of the international law, adding that such an attempt would shake confidence in the UN.
He said that the only way that could return his country's relations with Israel to normalcy was an Israeli acknowledgement of its responsibility for the attack that left nine Turkish citizens dead and more than 30 others wounded in addition to compensating the victims.
Davutoglu warned Israel against attacking the Freedom Flotilla 2 while on its way to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza next month.
14 may 2011
Israel-favored UN draft angers Turkey
Turkey has threatened to drop out of a UN panel investigating Israel's deadly attack on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, following the release of an Israel-favored draft report over the incident.
The United Nations inquiry panel has released a draft report of its findings, days before making its results officially public, Turkey's Hürriyet daily reported on Friday.
Ankara says the draft clearly favors Tel Aviv, as its wording falls short of condemning Israel for violating international law. Turkey has threatened to drop out of the UN panel unless drastic changes are made to the draft.
On May 31, 2010, nine Turkish activists were killed and about 50 others injured after Israeli commandos attacked the Mavi Marmara, one of several aid vessels in the Turkish-sponsored Freedom Flotilla, in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea.
The fleet, which was carrying approximately 750 human rights activists and around 10,000 tons of construction material, medical equipment and school supplies, planned to break Israel's deadly siege on the Gaza Strip.
The activists were subsequently expelled and the cargoes transferred to the Israeli port of Ashdod south of Tel Aviv.
Reports, meanwhile, pointed to Israeli forces' appropriating and misusing the activists' personal belongings.
Relations between Turkey and Israel reached their lowest ebb ever following the incident.
Turkey says relations with Tel Aviv will resume only after Israel apologizes for the attack and pays compensation to the victims' families.
Israel has remained defiant, calling its internationally-condemned assault on the activists an act of self-defense.
Following the controversy, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon set up a four-member review panel in August 2010, led by former New Zealand Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer.
The panel listened to the representatives for the last time late April and was expected to make its findings public this month.
The development comes as a new Gaza-bound flotilla prepares to set sail to the impoverished coastal sliver in mid-June.
Israel has so far urged Europe to do all it can to prevent its nationals from taking part in the international “peace” flotilla, which comprises of more than 15 ships.
The United Nations inquiry panel has released a draft report of its findings, days before making its results officially public, Turkey's Hürriyet daily reported on Friday.
Ankara says the draft clearly favors Tel Aviv, as its wording falls short of condemning Israel for violating international law. Turkey has threatened to drop out of the UN panel unless drastic changes are made to the draft.
On May 31, 2010, nine Turkish activists were killed and about 50 others injured after Israeli commandos attacked the Mavi Marmara, one of several aid vessels in the Turkish-sponsored Freedom Flotilla, in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea.
The fleet, which was carrying approximately 750 human rights activists and around 10,000 tons of construction material, medical equipment and school supplies, planned to break Israel's deadly siege on the Gaza Strip.
The activists were subsequently expelled and the cargoes transferred to the Israeli port of Ashdod south of Tel Aviv.
Reports, meanwhile, pointed to Israeli forces' appropriating and misusing the activists' personal belongings.
Relations between Turkey and Israel reached their lowest ebb ever following the incident.
Turkey says relations with Tel Aviv will resume only after Israel apologizes for the attack and pays compensation to the victims' families.
Israel has remained defiant, calling its internationally-condemned assault on the activists an act of self-defense.
Following the controversy, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon set up a four-member review panel in August 2010, led by former New Zealand Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer.
The panel listened to the representatives for the last time late April and was expected to make its findings public this month.
The development comes as a new Gaza-bound flotilla prepares to set sail to the impoverished coastal sliver in mid-June.
Israel has so far urged Europe to do all it can to prevent its nationals from taking part in the international “peace” flotilla, which comprises of more than 15 ships.
Turkey demands names of soldiers involved in flotilla raid
Ankara Prosecution sends Justice Ministry letter demanding to receive names of all Naval, military and ministerial officials involved in decision to raid Marmara in May 2010.
The Turkish Prosecution demands Israel divulge the identity of the Naval Commandos who participated in the deadly raid on the Mavi Marmara, in May of 2010.
A Justice Ministry official said Israel was unfamiliar with the demand.
The Marmara was the lead vessel in last May's aid sail to Gaza Strip. Israeli commandos attempting to stop the ship from breaching the Gaza blockade boarded the ship after it refused the Navy's hails to stop. The ensuing violence resulted in the death of nine Turkish activists.
Diplomatic relations between Israel and Turkeys have been extremely tense ever since.
According to a Saturday report in the Turkish daily Zaman, Ankara sent the Justice Ministry a letter demanding it disclose the names and addresses of all Navy and military personnel involved, as well as the details of all government officials involved in ordering the raid.
The demand was reportedly based on the testimonies of over 500 activists who were aboard the Marmara and claimed they were "grossly mistreated" by the Israeli soldiers.
Meanwhile, Turkey threatened to withdraw from the United Nations panel investigating the raid over what it called its finding's "soft wording," which favor Israel.
According to Turkish daily Hurriyet, Ankara said the panel's findings "fall short of concluding that Israel violated International Law" when its commandos boarded the Mavi Marmara.
Israel and Turkey were both handed a draft of the UN report ahead of its intended public release later this month. Ankara has since said it would "disassociate itself from the report" unless radical changes were made to its findings.
The Turkish Prosecution demands Israel divulge the identity of the Naval Commandos who participated in the deadly raid on the Mavi Marmara, in May of 2010.
A Justice Ministry official said Israel was unfamiliar with the demand.
The Marmara was the lead vessel in last May's aid sail to Gaza Strip. Israeli commandos attempting to stop the ship from breaching the Gaza blockade boarded the ship after it refused the Navy's hails to stop. The ensuing violence resulted in the death of nine Turkish activists.
Diplomatic relations between Israel and Turkeys have been extremely tense ever since.
According to a Saturday report in the Turkish daily Zaman, Ankara sent the Justice Ministry a letter demanding it disclose the names and addresses of all Navy and military personnel involved, as well as the details of all government officials involved in ordering the raid.
The demand was reportedly based on the testimonies of over 500 activists who were aboard the Marmara and claimed they were "grossly mistreated" by the Israeli soldiers.
Meanwhile, Turkey threatened to withdraw from the United Nations panel investigating the raid over what it called its finding's "soft wording," which favor Israel.
According to Turkish daily Hurriyet, Ankara said the panel's findings "fall short of concluding that Israel violated International Law" when its commandos boarded the Mavi Marmara.
Israel and Turkey were both handed a draft of the UN report ahead of its intended public release later this month. Ankara has since said it would "disassociate itself from the report" unless radical changes were made to its findings.
23 apr 2010
A media source from the Turkish humanitarian relief fund (IHH) told our correspondent in Istanbul that the attorney of those killed in the attack, those on board, and the victims' families were present to take part in the reading of the press statement.
The NGO's chief member said the participants have been urgently waiting for proceedings.
Cihat Gökdemir, the attorney who represents the victims on board the attacked aid flotilla, said investigations have continued since last year by the prosecutor in Istanbul, but he has not yet made a decision to prosecute those who massacred the activists on board.
Gökdemir emphasized that perpetrators must be brought to trial as soon as possible, pointing out that the ambition of the victim's families and participants on board is to have an arrest warrant issued against those perpetrators.
The NGO's chief member said the participants have been urgently waiting for proceedings.
Cihat Gökdemir, the attorney who represents the victims on board the attacked aid flotilla, said investigations have continued since last year by the prosecutor in Istanbul, but he has not yet made a decision to prosecute those who massacred the activists on board.
Gökdemir emphasized that perpetrators must be brought to trial as soon as possible, pointing out that the ambition of the victim's families and participants on board is to have an arrest warrant issued against those perpetrators.
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Anti-Israel film to be screened in Cairo
(Video) Turkish film about IDF raid on Marmara ship reaches Egypt. Distributor says screening scheduled to coincide with Holocaust Remembrance Day events in Poland. A special screening of an anti-Israel Turkish film is scheduled to take place in Cairo under the auspices of the Turkish ambassador on Saturday. "Valley of the Wolves – Palestine" tells the story of the IDF raid on the Gaza-bound Mavi Marmara last May and has already prompted massive criticism in Israel. The plot focuses on a group of Turkish commando combatants which was ordered to eliminate a senior IDF officer who the film suggests gave the order "to murder Marmara passengers." The film's last scene shows IDF soldiers with the bodies of nine Marmara passengers. |
On May 31, 2010 a Navy force raided the Marmara ship which had broken the naval blockade on the Gaza Strip. Nine passengers were killed in clashes between the soldiers and IHH terrorists.
The film's Egyptian distributor, Adel Adib, said that the special screening was set for a date ahead of the March of the Living in Poland marking the Holocaust Remembrance Day. The march is set to take place on May 2.
The Turkish film will be screened in 10 movie theatres across Egypt after the festive premier.
The film's Egyptian distributor, Adel Adib, said that the special screening was set for a date ahead of the March of the Living in Poland marking the Holocaust Remembrance Day. The march is set to take place on May 2.
The Turkish film will be screened in 10 movie theatres across Egypt after the festive premier.
21 apr 2011
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BBC defends "biased" documentary on Gaza flotilla attack
The BBC was condemned as biased by observers last year after it aired a documentary, which purported to investigate what took place on the Mavi Marmara. The aid ship was part of a larger flotilla heading to Gaza in May last year, which was attacked by the Israeli military, leaving nine passengers dead.
The Israeli military gave the BBC special access to its commandos. But critics of the BBC's documentary say it served to whitewash what took place, reflecting a wider pro-Israel bias in the corporation's coverage. And complainants say it's difficult to bring the BBC to account. Unlike all other broadcasters in the UK, the BBC isn't regulated by the government media watchdog OFCOM. Instead, it regulates itself through a body called the BBC |
trust. And the BBC trust says that, overall, the programme was both accurate and impartial.
The trust's investigation into the programme did however find fault on three points. The programme failed to provide enough detail on how the nine aid workers died - the UN report on the matter describes at least six of the deaths as executions, which Israel has denied.
The programme also failed to mention the allegations of mistreatment made against Israel by the injured, and didn't fully describe the aid onboard the flotilla, while dismissing its medicine as useless.
Complaints that the programme had misrepresented the humanitarian situation in Gaza, misrepresented the humanitarian aims of the flotilla, downplayed the ferocity of the Israeli attack, ignored pronouncements that the raid on the flotilla and the blockade of Gaza were and are illegal, as well as many more arguments alleging the programme was skewed in favour of Israel were dismissed by the BBC Trust.
A second freedom flotilla is due to set sail for Gaza in the coming months. Israel has warned it may again use force to prevent it from breaking the blockade around Gaza.
The trust's investigation into the programme did however find fault on three points. The programme failed to provide enough detail on how the nine aid workers died - the UN report on the matter describes at least six of the deaths as executions, which Israel has denied.
The programme also failed to mention the allegations of mistreatment made against Israel by the injured, and didn't fully describe the aid onboard the flotilla, while dismissing its medicine as useless.
Complaints that the programme had misrepresented the humanitarian situation in Gaza, misrepresented the humanitarian aims of the flotilla, downplayed the ferocity of the Israeli attack, ignored pronouncements that the raid on the flotilla and the blockade of Gaza were and are illegal, as well as many more arguments alleging the programme was skewed in favour of Israel were dismissed by the BBC Trust.
A second freedom flotilla is due to set sail for Gaza in the coming months. Israel has warned it may again use force to prevent it from breaking the blockade around Gaza.
20 apr 2011
Complaints against BBC Panorama programme are upheld
Three serious complaints made against a BBC programme which purported to tell the story of Israel 's attack on the Gaza aid flotilla last year have been upheld at the highest level.
Despite a highly unsatisfactory internal process, with the BBC's own Editorial Standards Committee ruling on a BBC programme, Panorama's Death on the Med, the Committee ruled that the programme broadcast in August 2010, had breached the BBC's Editorial Guidelines on accuracy and impartiality on three counts. The decision of the Committee to rule against the other points of complaint underlined why an independent, external complaints process is essential.
The committee found that the Panorama team had failed to make use of autopsies showing how nine Turkish aid workers on board the largest boat in the flotilla, the Mavi Marmara, were killed by Israeli commandos and the level of violence used against them, even though this was fundamental in considering the motives of Israel in storming the boat.
It also found that the programme should not have dismissed medicines being carried on the Mavi Marmara as out of date, which suggested the rest of the aid was worthless, and that it failed to mention other valuable aid that was being carried.
The programme also failed to mention that many of the activists wounded by Israeli troops did not receive treatment for hours and that many of the passengers were seriously mistreated by Israeli commandos.
Nearly 2,000 people contacted the BBC after the programme was aired last year, and of those, around 1,440 made contact in order to complain about bias and inaccuracy.
The complaints process has taken eight months, with the final appeal being heard by the BBC in March. The decision taken by the Editorial Standards Committee was published yesterday (19 April).
Sarah Colborne, Director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which has been closely involved in the complaints process, said: This has been a long and not entirely transparent process, with the BBC changing the goalposts along the way and setting sudden deadlines.
However, the BBC needed to be brought to account for making a programme that was shocking in its inaccuracy and impartiality. Israeli commandos attacked unarmed civilians in international waters and, if Panorama had used the information available in the autopsies and reported on the mistreatment of other passengers, then the full extent of Israel's aggression would have been made clear.'
Ms Colborne also called for the complaints process to be freed from BBC control. She added: 'We need the appointment of an independent adjudicator to examine complaints against the BBC and make sure the organisation learns from its transgressions. This will never happen while the BBC is its own judge and jury.
Despite a highly unsatisfactory internal process, with the BBC's own Editorial Standards Committee ruling on a BBC programme, Panorama's Death on the Med, the Committee ruled that the programme broadcast in August 2010, had breached the BBC's Editorial Guidelines on accuracy and impartiality on three counts. The decision of the Committee to rule against the other points of complaint underlined why an independent, external complaints process is essential.
The committee found that the Panorama team had failed to make use of autopsies showing how nine Turkish aid workers on board the largest boat in the flotilla, the Mavi Marmara, were killed by Israeli commandos and the level of violence used against them, even though this was fundamental in considering the motives of Israel in storming the boat.
It also found that the programme should not have dismissed medicines being carried on the Mavi Marmara as out of date, which suggested the rest of the aid was worthless, and that it failed to mention other valuable aid that was being carried.
The programme also failed to mention that many of the activists wounded by Israeli troops did not receive treatment for hours and that many of the passengers were seriously mistreated by Israeli commandos.
Nearly 2,000 people contacted the BBC after the programme was aired last year, and of those, around 1,440 made contact in order to complain about bias and inaccuracy.
The complaints process has taken eight months, with the final appeal being heard by the BBC in March. The decision taken by the Editorial Standards Committee was published yesterday (19 April).
Sarah Colborne, Director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which has been closely involved in the complaints process, said: This has been a long and not entirely transparent process, with the BBC changing the goalposts along the way and setting sudden deadlines.
However, the BBC needed to be brought to account for making a programme that was shocking in its inaccuracy and impartiality. Israeli commandos attacked unarmed civilians in international waters and, if Panorama had used the information available in the autopsies and reported on the mistreatment of other passengers, then the full extent of Israel's aggression would have been made clear.'
Ms Colborne also called for the complaints process to be freed from BBC control. She added: 'We need the appointment of an independent adjudicator to examine complaints against the BBC and make sure the organisation learns from its transgressions. This will never happen while the BBC is its own judge and jury.
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The BBC's findings in full
BBC: Flotilla investigative report accurate, impartial British network receives 2,000 complaints after broadcasting show about IDF raid on Mavi Marmara ship last May. 'Despite three breaches in guidelines, it was an original, insightful piece of journalism,' says chair of BBC Trust editorial standards committee. The body responsible of mediating between the British Broadcasting Corporation and license fee payers, the BBC Trust, has rejected criticism against an investigative report about the IDF navy raid on the Gaza-bound flotilla last may. The trust's editorial standards committee stated that "the film achieved due impartiality and due accuracy and did not uphold the complaint overall". The report, titled "Death in the Med," was broadcasted last August as part of the "Panorama" program, which is considered one of the network's flagship shows. Reporter Jane Corbin was given authorization to interview navy combatants that participated in the raid, as well as Turkish passengers. |
In one of the interviews, the wife of an activist killed on board the Mavi Marmara told Corbin that her husband wanted to be a "Palestinian martyr."
After the show was broadcasted, the BBC received some 2,000 calls, out of which 72% expressed a negative opinion about the report.
The BBC also estimated that up to a quarter of the complaints were made by a lobby organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign website.
Finally, the committee examined a total of 19 complaints that raised 51 "substantive points."
'Well-researched piece'
According to a report published by British newspaper Guardian, "Complaints on three of these points were upheld by the trust two relating to breaches of the BBC's editorial guidelines regarding accuracy and one on impartiality.
"The accuracy breaches related to the failure to include preliminary autopsy reports into how activists died and more details of the exact nature of the aid for Gaza being carried by the flotilla," it read.
The BBC Trust also found the report was in breach of the impartiality guidelines, because it failed to verify that the Israelis treated the injured passengers well following "allegations of mistreatment of some of the casualties."
Chairwoman of the BBC Trust's editorial standards committee Alison Hastings said that "Despite the three breaches, for which the trust apologizes on behalf of the BBC, this Panorama was an original, insightful and well-researched piece of journalism and we commend the BBC for having tackled this issue.
"It revealed important new evidence in a much-publicized story and, overall, the program was both accurate and impartial. However, these breaches are a firm reminder that the BBC must take great care over accuracy and impartiality, particularly when the subject matter is as controversial as this," she noted.
A BBC News spokesperson noted that "BBC News welcomes the findings of the trust on the Panorama Death in the Med," adding that the network "will consider seriously any lessons to be learned."
After the show was broadcasted, the BBC received some 2,000 calls, out of which 72% expressed a negative opinion about the report.
The BBC also estimated that up to a quarter of the complaints were made by a lobby organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign website.
Finally, the committee examined a total of 19 complaints that raised 51 "substantive points."
'Well-researched piece'
According to a report published by British newspaper Guardian, "Complaints on three of these points were upheld by the trust two relating to breaches of the BBC's editorial guidelines regarding accuracy and one on impartiality.
"The accuracy breaches related to the failure to include preliminary autopsy reports into how activists died and more details of the exact nature of the aid for Gaza being carried by the flotilla," it read.
The BBC Trust also found the report was in breach of the impartiality guidelines, because it failed to verify that the Israelis treated the injured passengers well following "allegations of mistreatment of some of the casualties."
Chairwoman of the BBC Trust's editorial standards committee Alison Hastings said that "Despite the three breaches, for which the trust apologizes on behalf of the BBC, this Panorama was an original, insightful and well-researched piece of journalism and we commend the BBC for having tackled this issue.
"It revealed important new evidence in a much-publicized story and, overall, the program was both accurate and impartial. However, these breaches are a firm reminder that the BBC must take great care over accuracy and impartiality, particularly when the subject matter is as controversial as this," she noted.
A BBC News spokesperson noted that "BBC News welcomes the findings of the trust on the Panorama Death in the Med," adding that the network "will consider seriously any lessons to be learned."
10 apr 2011
Czech reporters sue Israel over flotilla raid
Two journalists say Jewish state has yet to return money and equipment confiscated during Commando operation on Gaza-bound ship, demand apology.
Two Czech reporters who were on the Gaza-bound Turkish Marmara vessel during a deadly Israeli Commando raid last May are suing Israel, claiming the Jewish state has yet to return money and personal equipment confiscated from them.
"We demand that Israel apologize for the incident," the two insist.
The two journalists filed a criminal claim in their country against Israel, although the prosecutor's office in Prague has already instructed the police not to investigate the case. The two turned to a higher authority, the attorney general's office, in a bid to overturn the decision.
The journalists' complaint includes 29 criminal acts allegedly committed by the Israeli soldiers, including theft and abduction. The two are demanding a "serious investigation", as well as legal and consular aid from the Czech authorities.
The two say they are furious with the Czech Foreign Ministry and the Czech Embassy in Israel for "violating international treaties on consular relations" in handling the flotilla incident.
Officials in the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem believe the claim was filed following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the Czech Republic last week.
Meanwhile, it appears the Israeli efforts to stop future Gaza-bound flotillas are being supported by unlikely elements. Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said in an interview to local newspaper VG Nett that "those taking part in the planned journey to Gaza in May are in risk of being exploited by groups with different interests.
"Such journeys are mainly symbolic," he added, "as most of the goods they bring along can also be brought through land. What comes through the sea will likely be received by the Hamas-ruled economy, and everyone should be aware of that."
The Norwegian foreign minister's remarks were made on the backdrop of the announcement of a group of parliament members from Norway that they plan to take part in the Gaza-bound flotilla in May.
Foreign Ministry officials were pleased with the Norwegian minister's comments, particularly in light of the fact that the relations between Israel and Norway are not considered warm.
Two Czech reporters who were on the Gaza-bound Turkish Marmara vessel during a deadly Israeli Commando raid last May are suing Israel, claiming the Jewish state has yet to return money and personal equipment confiscated from them.
"We demand that Israel apologize for the incident," the two insist.
The two journalists filed a criminal claim in their country against Israel, although the prosecutor's office in Prague has already instructed the police not to investigate the case. The two turned to a higher authority, the attorney general's office, in a bid to overturn the decision.
The journalists' complaint includes 29 criminal acts allegedly committed by the Israeli soldiers, including theft and abduction. The two are demanding a "serious investigation", as well as legal and consular aid from the Czech authorities.
The two say they are furious with the Czech Foreign Ministry and the Czech Embassy in Israel for "violating international treaties on consular relations" in handling the flotilla incident.
Officials in the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem believe the claim was filed following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the Czech Republic last week.
Meanwhile, it appears the Israeli efforts to stop future Gaza-bound flotillas are being supported by unlikely elements. Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said in an interview to local newspaper VG Nett that "those taking part in the planned journey to Gaza in May are in risk of being exploited by groups with different interests.
"Such journeys are mainly symbolic," he added, "as most of the goods they bring along can also be brought through land. What comes through the sea will likely be received by the Hamas-ruled economy, and everyone should be aware of that."
The Norwegian foreign minister's remarks were made on the backdrop of the announcement of a group of parliament members from Norway that they plan to take part in the Gaza-bound flotilla in May.
Foreign Ministry officials were pleased with the Norwegian minister's comments, particularly in light of the fact that the relations between Israel and Norway are not considered warm.
AG 'unsatisfied' with pace of IDF probes
In his testmony before Turkel Commission on Gaza flotilla raid, Yehuda Weinstein says inquiry procedures must be shortened. Israel does operate according to international law, he adds.
Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein testified Sunday before the Turkel Commission and addressed the probe into the actions of Israel Defense Forces troops during last year's deadly raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla sailing from Turkey.
"I'm not satisfied with the pace in which the complaints over these events and other events related to violations of the warfare laws are handled," said Weinstein.
In his testimony Weinstein stressed "everything must be done in order to shorten procedures. Don't rest on your laurels just yet."
According to the attorney general, "the amount of time it takes to complete investigations on violation of warfare laws depends on the circumstances. He added that "examining these events thoroughly and seriously is a complicated task which might take some time."
Weinstein admitted the civil system has not been working fast enough and suggested the military system should help speed things up.
In accordance with the international law, Weinstein said, "Since the Israeli Declaration of Independence until today Israel has been working on all levels to emphasize the international law, even when facing complicated security challenges and murderous terror attacks throughout its existence, unlike in any other country in the world."
"Israel meticulously operates according to its internal values and the law, as well as the international warfare laws, even when fighting terror organizations. The warfare laws are an integral part of the IDF commanders' training," stressed Weinstein.
The attorney general added that "the State of Israel's obligation to operating by warfare laws is reflected in its commitment to inquire claims of law violations. Therefore the State of Israel has independent and professional elements intended to examine such claims."
Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein testified Sunday before the Turkel Commission and addressed the probe into the actions of Israel Defense Forces troops during last year's deadly raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla sailing from Turkey.
"I'm not satisfied with the pace in which the complaints over these events and other events related to violations of the warfare laws are handled," said Weinstein.
In his testimony Weinstein stressed "everything must be done in order to shorten procedures. Don't rest on your laurels just yet."
According to the attorney general, "the amount of time it takes to complete investigations on violation of warfare laws depends on the circumstances. He added that "examining these events thoroughly and seriously is a complicated task which might take some time."
Weinstein admitted the civil system has not been working fast enough and suggested the military system should help speed things up.
In accordance with the international law, Weinstein said, "Since the Israeli Declaration of Independence until today Israel has been working on all levels to emphasize the international law, even when facing complicated security challenges and murderous terror attacks throughout its existence, unlike in any other country in the world."
"Israel meticulously operates according to its internal values and the law, as well as the international warfare laws, even when fighting terror organizations. The warfare laws are an integral part of the IDF commanders' training," stressed Weinstein.
The attorney general added that "the State of Israel's obligation to operating by warfare laws is reflected in its commitment to inquire claims of law violations. Therefore the State of Israel has independent and professional elements intended to examine such claims."
