Ban Ki-moon demands full and detailed account" of commando raid

The UN secretary-general said Israeli authorities must provide a "full and detailed account" of the commando raid on six ships that tried to break the Gaza siege to deliver some 10,000 tonnes of supplies, the AFP agency informs.

Ban said he was looking at "various options" to conduct a "prompt, credible, impartial and transparent" investigation of the incident, as called for by the UN Security Council.

Earlier, the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council set up an independent international investigation into the Israeli raid, the source reports.

"Everything must be done to prevent another incident of this kind," the UN boss said. "All concerned should act with a sense of care and responsibility, and in accordance with international law."

Stressing the need "to avoid provocations," Ban said the world body raised its concerns with international partners and Israeli authorities, says the AFP.

In recent months, Ban has consistently urged Israel to lift the blockade and allow the United Nations and other humanitarian relief supplies into Gaza.

"If this had been done, this tragedy would have been avoided," he noted.