EUROPEAN REACTION:ISRAEL'S STORMING of the Gaza-bound flotilla was met with widespread condemnation and demands for an inquiry.
As the United Nations Security Council met in emergency session in New York and EU ambassadors met in Brussels, several European countries summoned Israeli envoys to explain the action.
In its first response, the Obama administration said it “deeply regrets the loss of life” and was working to understand what happened.
French president Nicolas Sarkozy expressed “profound emotion” over the consequences of Israel’s action, his office said. “He condemns the disproportionate use of force and addresses his condolences to the families of the victims.”
EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said she spoke to Israeli foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman. “I expressed our deepest concern about the tragedy that has happened,” she said.
“The EU condemns the use of violence that has produced a high number of victims among members of the flotilla and demands an immediate full, transparent inquiry into the events and the circumstances surrounding them.
“I have also taken the opportunity to point out, having visited Gaza, the importance of opening the crossings for humanitarian aid to go through, to ensure that ordinary people have a better existence than that which I saw.”
British foreign secretary William Hague said he deplored the loss the life. “We have consistently advised against attempting to access Gaza in this way, because of the risks involved,” he said.
“But at the same time, there is a clear need for Israel to act with restraint and in line with international obligations.”
German authorities were shocked by the events, said a spokesman, who pointed out that they took place in international waters. While saying every German government supports unconditionally Israel’s right to self defence, Israeli actions should correspond to the “basic principle” of proportionality.
Italian foreign minister Franco Frattini said the storming of the flotilla was a grave act. “I deplore in the strongest terms the killing of civilians.”
Dutch minister Maxime Verhagen said the Netherlands wants an investigation specifically into how this could have happened. “I want the Israeli ambassador in The Hague to provide clarification today on this.”