SYDNEY — Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said Wednesday he had called Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu to urge him to open an independent inquiry into the deadly raid on an aid convoy bound for Gaza.
At least nine people were killed when Israeli commandos stormed the ships early Monday. An Australian man was shot during the incident, while an Australian photographer was reportedly hit with a stun gun.
The Australian shot in the incident remained in hospital Wednesday while four other Australians were in the process of being deported, Australia's ABC broadcaster reported.
Rudd said he had told Prime Minister Netanyahu an inquiry was needed "so that all facts can be established and an informed judgement made about the events surrounding the incident".
"I set out the framework within which Australia views this tragedy... and reflected Australia's deep concerns over the recent military operation off Gaza," Rudd told parliament.
