Israel: Beatings, abuse, doctored evidence emerge

Although Israel successfully controlled news of its deadly commando raid on the Free Gaza (FG) flotilla during the first crucial 48 hours of media coverage, emerging evidence from witnesses and survivors is challenging the Israeli government's version of events. These include claims of medical treatment being withheld; beatings and abuse of passengers who never resisted; the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) doctoring audio and selectively editing videos. Furthermore, allegations of a possible shoot-to-kill policy, amidst autopsies revealing repeated gun shots to the heads of the victims, are also part of an emerging pattern. One of the first targets of Israeli commandos raiding the FG flotilla was the international media. Photographers were attacked, and journalists had their video, audio and other communications equipment confiscated. The equipment has still not been returned. "It was clear that Israel wanted to control the media coverage of the situation from the very beginning," Huwaida Arraf, FG's chairwoman, told IPS. Approximately 60 journalists from around the globe were on board the FG flotilla. They were amongst the last to be released by the Israelis.