BY SEDAT ERGIN
HURRIYET DAILY NEWS - The masterminds of an attempt to penetrate the Israeli blockade by an aid convoy sailing to the Gaza Strip have failed.
If the two byproducts of this move, however, are to show the world what an aggressor Israel is and to direct the attention of the international community to the Gaza siege, they've been quite successful.
A solid indicator of the outcome is that Israeli aggression has happened to be the most important agenda item of international politics for the last 48 hours. And the most critical result is the United Nations Security Council statement against Israel.
-Clear condemnation crucial-
U.N. statements are not binding as the "Security Council Resolutions." Since it was unanimously approved, the statement strongly reflects the views and judgments of the international community on the subject matter.
If there were attempts to have a resolution, it would've taken time, negotiations would've taken place and a draft not meeting expectations would've been the end result. Realistically though, the U.N.'s call could be seen a quick and proper reaction against Israel.
Without doubt, the most critical side of the statement is that it has openly condemned the attack.
".The Security Council expressed deep regret at the loss of life and injuries resulting from the use of force during the Israeli military operation early on Monday in international waters against the convoy sailing to Gaza, and condemned those acts which had killed at least 10 civilians and wounded many more," reads the statement.
-Situation in Gaza unsustainable-
In addition, the statement asks Israel to release civilians and ships immediately. This is also important. What is more important, however, is that it emphasizes that the situation in Gaza is unsustainable.
This is the strongest response to Israel following the attack as it also provides evidence that this country has been left all alone by the international community due to the Gaza blockade which has continued since 2007.
The message to Israel is clear: Resolution 1860 in particular asks Israel to withdraw from Gaza completely and let through the distribution of humanitarian aid packages of food, fuel and medical supplies. It also supports opening a delivery corridor.
As we look at the remarks of the Security Council members, we see that majority of the members have already expressed similar feelings reflected in the statement.
Almost all members, as stated in the blueprint, support the need to have a full investigation into the matter and it called for a prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation conforming to international standards.
-Unanswered question: Who will be the investigator?-
Who will conduct this investigation and how is unclear for now. And this is the most critical part of the problem. Apparently, the United States doesn't support the idea of launching a "U.N. investigation."
The council meetings the other day reflect that the only criticism - except that of Israel - against sending humanitarian aid to Gaza through the sea has been raised by the United States. Although Alejandro Wolff, U.S. permanent representative to U.N., supports a transparent investigation, he says there are assistance mechanisms not to cause any provocations and hot encounters and that delivery through the sea is not an proper and responsible act.
If this move of U.S. and efforts to dilute the demands wrapped up in the statement are put aside, Turkey's call for an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting together with Lebanon is therefore making a diplomatic move against Israel successful in general.