The European Parliament debates the deadly Israeli raid on the flotilla heading for Gaza and the blockade on that territory.

The debate will be followed up with a vote on a resolution on Thursday.

The resolution condemns Israel for its military operation on Gaza-bound flotilla carrying humanitarian aid. Israeli commandos shot dead eight Turk activists and an American of Turkish origin on board Turkish ship Mavi Marmara on May 31.

The resolution, drafted jointly by political groups in the parliament, says Israeli attack was a breach of international law.

It calls for a prompt international and impartial inquiry into the raid and calls on European countries to raise this demand.

It urges Israel to lift immediately its illegal blockade on Gaza and asks EU countries to raise this demand, urging the EU Member States to take steps to ensure the sustainable opening of all the crossing points to and from Gaza.

It also points out the need for more financial and economic assistance to Palestine.

Noting that recent developments caused serious damage in Turkish-Israeli relations, the resolution says European Parliament encourages Turkish government's diplomatic and political efforts for taking the pressure off Palestinian people and for the Middle East peace process.


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