” .. Israel says it will release more than 600 pro-Palestinian activists detained after commandos stormed an aid flotilla.”

Israel said last night that it would release more than 600 pro-Palestinian activists detained after commandos stormed an aid flotilla bound for Gaza – an assault which left nine dead and led to increasing calls for an independent, impartial inquiry.

The decision to free the activists came as first accounts from those on the ships began to emerge, with some claiming the Israeli forces who stormed the largest ship in the flotilla – the Mavi Marmara – shot to kill and used electric stun guns.

German politician Annette Groth, who was on the activists’ flagship, said Israeli talk of self-defence was 'ridiculous'.

The accounts differed sharply from those coming from Israeli politicians and military, who said the soldiers were provoked into violence. A spokesman said it had been a measure of last resort after its troops had found themselves in a lynching when they landed on the ship.

Israel insists its troops came under sustained and unprovoked attack, pointing to what it claimed was cast-iron video evidence and soldiers’ testimony.

All those detained would be sent home at Israel’s expense, an Israeli official said. “Things have evolved,” he said. “Everyone will be released, as long as long as they produce papers. No one will be prosecuted. Interrogations did not yield material that could result in a conviction in a court of law.”

(more…)

Tags: Aid, Attach, flotilla, Gaza, Israel, Latest News, Palestinian