UN rights chief "shocked" by Israeli attack on flotilla

The United Nations' top human rights official Monday said she was "shocked" by the Israeli military's attack on a flotilla of political activists carrying aid bound for the Gaza Strip, DPA reported.

"I am shocked by reports that humanitarian aid was met with violence early this morning reportedly causing death and injury as the boat convoy approached the Gaza coast," Navi Pillay told the UN Human Rights Council.

The council was convening for a regular session, which opened Monday and was set to last for the rest of the month.

Pillay slammed Israel's policy of imposing restrictions on Gaza, saying "the blockade keeps undermining human rights on a daily basis."

"The current situation falls far short of what is necessary for the population to lead normal and dignified lives," said Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, adding "I condemn once again the indiscriminate firing of rockets from Gaza into Israel."