JERUSALEM - Israel's government has approved the establishment of an independent state commission of inquiry into a deadly disaster at a Jewish holy site in April that left 45 people dead.  

The government-appointed commission began proceedings on Sunday to decide what led to the accident at Mount Meron in northern Israel during which 45 people were crushed to death as a passage collapsed, according to reports. The panel, chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Miriam Naor, heard testimony from Northern District police chief Shimon Lavi, the officer in charge of the event. He told the committee that the annual festival is "the most significant event for the Israeli police", requiring extensive planning, preparations and resources. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, Lavi added that only one day before the festival, he learnt that "the event will be held without any coronavirus-related limitations".The discussions of the commission are open to the public and broadcast live.

On April 30, tens of thousands of people gathered for a traditional festival to mark the Jewish holiday of Lag BaOmer. The stampede is believed to start when people moved through a narrow passageway with slippery metal flooring.

Iran willing to engage in "reasonable" negotiations that serve people's interests

United Nation agencies call for 'humanitarian airbridge' to extend help to Afghan

Taliban set to announce framework for new Afghan government soon