Nelson Mandela's "Elders" condemn Israel's deadly attack on Gaza aid flotilla

Times Live - "We as elders condemn Israel utterly for this attack. The actions of the Israelis is inexcusable," said Tutu.

He was speaking at the conclusion of a meeting of the group formed in 2008 to highlight humanitarian issues. Members include former UN secretary general Kofi Annan and former US president Jimmy Carter.

Reading a statement, Tutu said the Elders wanted an urgent investigation into the "tragic incident" after Israeli forces boarded the Mavi Marmara as it sailed with a flotilla to Gaza.

He said it should draw the world's attention to the "terrible suffering of Gaza's 1.5 million people, half of whom are children under the age of 18".

The Elders considered Israel's blockage of Gaza illegal collective punishment of its inhabitants and said it was also counterproductive.

"This is because it creates unacceptable suffering, in the process empowering extremists and undermining moderate forces in Gaza", they said. Read more.