Abu Dhabi, June 01, 2010, SPA -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) strongly condemned the inhumane and criminal infliction of force carried out by Israel on the humanitarian convoy of civilians that has resulted in the death of at least 19 innocent aid workers and the wounding of several more. "The UAE further condemns the clear violation of international law committed by the Israeli army in international waters against innocent civilians and urges the international community to end the continued collective and barbaric punishment imposed by the Israeli government on the Palestinian people." In a statement issued today, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Foreign Minister called for the Secretary General of the United Nations to order an international investigation into the crime and for a full report to be made to the United Nations. "The deaths of innocent civilians working to deliver basic humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza is a clear violation of international law and a moral outrage of the highest order. Such an incident should not pass uncensored and Israel must face the consequence of its actions. The UN Security Council should convene an emergency session and take appropriate action." "We further call on Israel to lift the media ban that has been placed on international media and to allow the press to report the details of the incident unharmed." "My thoughts are with the families of those who have bravely risked their lives to bring relief to the people of Gaza. We urge the government of Israel to immediately release the remaining civilians and allow them safe passage home." said Sheikh Abdullah, according to a report of the UAE news agency "WAM". --SPA 11:24 LOCAL TIME 08:24 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/787520