20100602
Africa News

The Kenya Government has condemned Israel's attack on aid ships to Gaza and called for an investigation into the incident.


A statement released by foreign ministry said on Tuesday the government denounced the use of "blatant force" by Israel against the flotilla that were delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza on Monday.

"The killing of nine members of this humanitarian mission is grossly callous and a brazen violation of international law," the government said in a statement.

"The government of Kenya expresses deep shock and regret at this tragic loss of civilian lives and calls for a full investigation of this deplorable incident,” the statement added.

Kenya urged the investigation to be "prompt, impartial, credible and transparent".

The statement said the incident served to reinforce calls "by the international community for Israel to end the blockade of Gaza".

At least nine people were killed and dozens injured when troops intercepted the convoy of ships dubbed the Freedom Flotilla early on Monday, Israeli radio reported.

Organisers of the flotilla carrying 10,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid then diverted their ships and slowed down to avoid a confrontation during the night.

International community criticized Israel’s raid on the ships and protesters have rocked on Europe, US, Arab and Muslim World following on the incident.

Israel is one of the few friends that have maintained a strong co-operation with Kenya on security issues and also gives technical training to scientists on ways of improving food production in arid and semi arid areas.