New York, NY, June 24, 2010 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called a resolution adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly Council of Europe (PACE), which urges an investigation into the flotilla incident yet declares Israel's actions illegal, "inexplicable." 

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement: 

It is inexplicable that the Parliamentary Assembly Council of Europe would call for an investigation of the flotilla incident while at the same time condemning Israel's actions as illegal.  Such a formulation would be laughable if it weren't so horribly offensive.   To ignore Israel's announcement of an investigation and prejudge its outcome shows that PACE cares little about the actual facts.

 

While the Council importantly demands that Hamas cease rocket attacks on Israel and recognize Israel's right to exist, the statement fails to mention the responsibility of Hamas for the situation of the people in Gaza.   

 

We note that the PACE statement calls for Hamas to immediately release kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit and for International Red Cross access to him – on the eve of the fourth anniversary of his being held in captivity.  We urge European Governments to make every effort to demand his release. 

PACE, comprised of parliamentarians from the 47 member countries of the Council of Europe, meets four times a year to debate issues and call for action by European governments.