Governments around the world on Monday condemned an early morning Israeli attack on a fleet of boats carrying 700 pro—Palestinian peace activists and 10,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, in which at least 10 people died.
Protests broke out across the Middle East and Europe, including in Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Britain and Turkey, from where the largest of the ships taking part in the convey originated. Nine of those killed were Turkish, Al—Jazeera reported.
The European Union and the United Nations demanded a full explanation for the attack.
EU foreign policy director Catherine Ashton “deeply regrets the loss of life” and was “requesting a full and immediate inquiry by the Israeli authorities,” a European Commission spokesman said.
The Spanish EU presidency said it was an “unacceptable” and “very serious” event.
“We have have summoned the Israeli ambassador (to Spain) to give us explanations and, of course, we will investigate and will start handling this matter immediately,” said Diego Lopez Garrido, secretary of state for EU affairs.
Israeli ambassadors summoned
Israeli ambassadors were also summoned to give explanations in France, Greece, Sweden, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey and Belgium.
Read full story here: http://beta.thehindu.com/news/international/article442947.ece
I’ve been following the latest events in the Gaza too, Johannes, with sadness .. The trail of tears seems endless …I’ve been following the Israeil-Palestinian struggle from my late teens when I took a class in Utopian Societies – My instructor brought the plight of the Palestinians to our attention …
Thank you so much, Johannes, for the article and awareness on this recent chain of events ~ Here is something I found in today’s news too …
Mon May 31, 9:34 am ET
BRUSSELS (Reuters)
“The European Union called for an immediate inquiry into deaths aboard aid ships seized by Israel’s navy Monday and urged Israel to allow the free flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
The EU also called an emergency meeting of member states’ envoys to Brussels to discuss the incident, in which at least 10 people were killed after six ships tried to cross Israel’s blockade of the Islamist-controlled Palestinian territory.
“High Representative Catherine Ashton expresses her deep regret at the news of loss of life and violence and extends her sympathies to families of the dead and wounded,” said a spokesperson for Ashton, the EU’s foreign policy chief.
“On behalf of the European Union she demands a full inquiry about the circumstances in which this happened.
The spokesperson said Ashton reiterated the EU’s position regarding Gaza’s closure.
“The continued policy of closure is unacceptable and politically counter-productive. She calls for an immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of the crossing for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza,” the spokesperson said.”
With the voice of many nations – may we see an end to this painful conflict in the Gaza in our lifetime ~
Peace and divine love ~ Coralina ~