Turkey has threatened Israel with unprecedented action [and] recalled its ambassador to Israel[...]
Two Turkish activists were reported to be among those killed in the flotilla. Ankara warned that further supply vessels will be sent to Gaza, escorted by the Turkish Navy, a development with unpredictable consequences.
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Egypt is under pressure to end the blockade of Gaza while Greece has cancelled a military exercise with Israel.
Syria and Lebanon “condemn the heinous crime committed by Israel through the brutal attacks on unarmed civilians on board the Freedom Flotilla,” both leaders said in a joint statement, after a pre— planned meeting in Damascus.They have warned that Israel’s “violations of basic humanitarian norms and international laws threatens to plunge the Middle East into a war which will not only affect the region.”
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Meanwhile, hundreds of Lebanese, Palestinians and followers of the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah, demonstrated in front the UN headquarters in Beirut.
China on Monday condemned Israel's raid. "We were shocked by the Israeli attack which led to severe casualties and condemn it," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu in a statement.Ma said China urged the Israeli side to seriously implement relevant UN Security Council resolution and improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The British government on Monday called on Israel to open all crossings to allow unfettered access for aid to Gaza. Foreign Secretary William Hague meanwhile urged Israel to "act with restraint and in line with international obligations".
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Russian Foreign Ministry noted in a statement that the incident was "a confirmation that Israel's blockade to the Gaza Strip must be lifted as soon as possible."
"Moscow condemns and expresses its deep concern over the issue, first of all for the loss of lives and injuries among the humanitarian convoy participants ... It is obvious that using arms against the civilians and stopping the vessels in open sea with no judicial ground is a gross violation of the international norms," the ministry said.
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German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle has telephoned his Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman and requested a comprehensive investigation, including demanding a quick clarification of the fate of five German nationals who were believed to be on board.
In a statement, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said that he was shocked and couldn't understand Israel's attack in the context that the initiative of the flotilla was known by international community already.
"Nothing can justify the use of such a violence that we condemn."
Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said Israel's attack was "absolutely serious" and he "absolutely deplored" the killing of civilians in the navy attack.
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The Spanish presidency of the European Union (EU) Monday condemned Israel for the attack. "Both the Spanish government and in its role as current president of the EU wishes to express its utmost condemnation of this action," Secretary of State for the EU Diego Lopez Garrido said.
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United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was "shocked by reports of killing of people in boats carrying supply to Gaza" in international waters, and called for full investigations into the incident.
[President Obama] expressed deep regret at the loss of life in today's incident, and concern for the wounded, many of whom are being treated in Israeli hospitals. The President also expressed the importance of learning all the facts and circumstances around this morning's tragic events as soon as possible.
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