White House supports investigation into Israeli raid, hedges on condemnation of Israeli forces
By APTuesday, June 1, 2010
White House backs investigation into Israeli raid
WASHINGTON — The White House says it supports a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an investigation into Israel’s deadly raid on ships taking humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs, however, wouldn’t say whether President Barack Obama condemns the actions of the Israeli forces.
Gibbs stood by the president’s earlier statement expressing “deep regret” for the loss of at least nine lives in the attack. Palestinians, Arabs and Turkey have called for a stronger condemnation.
The raid is likely to increase pressure on Israel to end its blockade of the Gaza Strip. Gibbs says the blockade is meant to keep weapons, not aid, out of area. He says the incident highlights the need for a comprehensive peace plan.
