(Communicated by MFA Spokesperson)

Israel expresses sorrow over the loss of human lives and is in constant contact with representatives of the various states and international organizations in order to ensure that the foreign nationals will return as soon as possible to their countries.

Israel regrets the resolution which was passed by the UN Human Rights Council even before the event was over. A resolution of this nature points to politicization and not to a genuine concern for human rights.

The organizers of the flotilla chose to engage in a violent confrontation with IDF soldiers and ignored Israel's willingness to transfer the humanitarian aid that was on the ships to its destination via the overland crossings to the Gaza Strip.

Israel will continue to be committed to cooperation with the United Nations and the international community in order to ensure the regular supply of humanitarian aid.

It is to be regretted that the Human Rights Council has obsessively focused on Israel beyond all proportion ever since its establishment in 2006.