The United Nations on Monday expressed hope for a positive Israeli response to a proposal to set up an international inquiry into the recent Gaza flotilla attack. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon believes that there should be 'a thorough accounting' by Israel on the deadly incident which resulted in dozens of casualties, UN spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters. Asked about the Israeli announcement on their inquiry into the May 31 flotilla incident, Haq said that a thorough Israeli investigation is important and could fit with the secretary- general's proposal. 'Any efforts toward having that thorough accounting is a positive one,' Haq said. 'At the same time, what the Security Council called for is a thorough, impartial, credible and prompt investigation.' He said that the secretary-general believes that an international investigation would fully meet the international community's expectation for a credible and impartial investigation. Asked why the secretary-general believes the door remains open for Israeli acceptance of an international inquiry, the spokesperson said that the secretary-general's contacts on the issue have continued. 'In discussions with Israeli officials, including the foreign minister, the secretary-general's proposals have not been rejected, ' he said. 'We remain hopeful for a positive Israeli response to that proposal,' said the spokesperson, adding that the proposal is still in a developing process. The Security Council adopted on June 1 a presidential statement, calling for 'a transparent, credible, impartial and rapid inquiry, in line with international criteria.' The Israeli cabinet on Monday approved an inquiry panel headed by former Israeli Supreme Court Justice Yaakov Tirkel. Two foreign observers, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lord William David Trimble and former Canadian judge advocate general Ken Watkin, were also included. 