Israelis on trial in Turkey over Gaza ship deaths

On Monday trial began in Istanbul against four retired Israeli generals who are charged with commanding the deadly raid on the Flotilla that claimed his son.


The attack took the lives of 9 Turkish citizens and wounded 30 others.

Israel’s refusal of an apology has damaged diplomatic ties severely.

The incident, in which Israeli Military personnel stopped the floatillas bound for Gaza with Humanitarian Aid, is yet another in a line of action, says Ann Wright, to which the world is turning a blind eye.

Ms. Wright was aboard one of the ships during the raid, and laid her testimony before the court in the hope that her contribution, for one, could add to some closure for parents of victims, like Dr. Dogan who, says that this is merely the start of things to come.

The court is to hear some 500 testimonials in coming days. Turkey has demanded a formal apology, compensation for victims and families of the deceased, and for the Gaza blockade to be lifted. Israel however has so far expressed ‘regret’ and said the retired generals, tried in absentia, were never notified of the charges.

In spite of Israel’s dismissal of the trial as merely a ‘show’, there is one commonly stated and passionately expressed sentiment from witnesses and victims giving testimony on Monday. They say, that finally… Israel is being made to answer, for its crimes.