Israel approves flotilla attack probe

The Israeli cabinet today gave final approval for an official investigation into the navy’s attack on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla two weeks ago, with the North's former first minister David Trimble one of two international participants.

The inquiry will be headed by retired Israeli Supreme Court justice Yaakov Tirkel and will include two high-ranking foreign observers: Nobel Peace laureate Mr Trimble and Canada’s former chief military prosecutor, Ken Watkin.

Israel has come under harsh criticism for its raid on the flotilla on May 31, in which nine pro-Palestinian activists were killed.

The addition of the foreign observers is meant to boost the credibility of the Israeli-led probe.

The US government backed Israel’s inquiry into the raid, calling it “an important step forward”.