GAZA, June 29 (UPI) -- Most of the nine Turks killed during the Israeli commando raid on a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza had multiple gunshot wounds, forensic evidence indicated.
Turkish government forensic specialists conducted the test, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported Tuesday. The tests determined 31 gunshots were fired during the May 31 raid, seven of the Turks aboard the flotilla were shot more than once and five died of bullet wounds to the head, the report said.
A lawyer for the family of one victim said the forensic results show Israeli forces were shooting to kill. Israel says the shots were fired in self defense.
The Israeli committee appointed to investigate the circumstances of the raid held its first public meeting Monday.
The committee, which includes legal and military experts and two international observers, is to look specifically at the security circumstances leading to the imposition of the Israeli blockade at sea on Gaza and how the blockade conformed to international law, The Jerusalem Post reported.
The committee will also investigate the legality of the actions Israeli military personnel took to prevent the flotilla from reaching Gaza, as well as actions taken by the flotilla organizers.
