Gaza flotilla raid: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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==Reactions==

{{Split sectionmain|International responsereactions to Gazathe flotilla2010 clash|Talk:Gaza flotilla clash#Splitting_the_article|categories=noincident}}

===United Nations reactions===

*{{flagicon|UN}} [[Secretary-General of the United Nations]] [[Ban Ki-moon]] called for "a full investigation to determine exactly how this bloodshed took place" and urged Israel to "provide a full explanation".<ref name="alj-blog" />

*{{flagicon|UN}} [[United Nations]] [[High Commissioner for Human Rights]] [[Navanethem Pillay]] said "I am also registering my shock at reports that humanitarian aid was met with violence early this morning, reportedly causing death and injury as the convoy approached the Gaza coast."<ref>[http://www.expatica.com/ch/news/swiss-news/un-rights-chief-shocked-at-gaza-aid-flotilla-violence_72267.html UN rights chief shocked at Gaza aid flotilla violence]</ref>

*{{flagicon|UN}} The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, [[Robert H. Serry]], and the director of the [[United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East]], [[Filippo Grandi]] declared that "these tragedies are completely inevitable if Israel does not listen to the callings of the international community to end the unacceptable and counter-productive blockade of Gaza."''<ref>[http://www.emol.com/noticias/internacional/detalle/detallenoticias.asp?idnoticia=416123 La ONU condena el asalto israelí a la flota humanitaria en Gaza], [[El Mercurio]]. </ref>

===Israeli reaction===

*{{flagicon|Israel}} [[Israeli Prime Minister]] [[Benjamin Netanyahu]], who was in [[Canada]] during the incident, has cancelled a scheduled trip to the United States to meet with [[U.S. President]] [[Barack Obama]]. A spokesman for the Prime Minister was quoted as saying that Netanyahu, ''"feels he has to be home to deal with this".''<ref name=wsj-world/>

===European reactions===

[[Image:Gaza flotilla clash demonstration in Belfast 1.jpg|thumb||Demonstration in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on 31 May 2010 following the Gaza flotilla clash.]]

*{{flagicon|EU}} The [[President of the European Parliament|President]] of the [[European Parliament]], [[Jerzy Buzek]] called it "an unjustified attack" and "a clear and unacceptable breach of international law, especially the fourth Geneva Convention". [[High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy|EU foreign affairs chief]] [[Catherine Ashton]] demanded Israeli authorities mount a "full inquiry" into the deaths on the flotilla.<ref>[http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/eu-to-hold-urgent-talks-over-gaza-raid/story-e6frf7jx-1225873737180 EU to hold urgent talks over Gaza raid], heraldsun.com.au, AFP, 31-05-2010</ref><ref name="alj-blog">{{cite web|last=Carlstrom|first=Gregg|title=Aftermath of Israel's attack on Gaza flotilla|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=31 May 2010|url=http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2010/05/31/aftermath-israels-attack-gaza-flotilla|accessdate=31 May 2010}}</ref>

:*{{flagicon|Belgium}} [[Belgium]]'s foreign minister, [[Steven Vanackere]], called the use of Israeli force "disproportionate"<ref>[http://www.tijd.be/nieuws/politiek_-_economie_internationaal/Wereld_reageert_geschokt_op_Israelische_aanval.8921726-3143.art?ckc=1 World shocked after Israeli attack], (in Dutch), De Tijd, 31 May 2010 </ref> and "invited the Israeli ambassador to explain how the events unfolded."<ref>[http://www.expatica.com/be/news/belgian-news/belgium-invites--israeli-ambassador-to-explain--gaza-raid_72314.html Belgium 'invites' Israeli ambassador to 'explain' Gaza raid], Expatica.com, Agence France-Presse, 31 May 2010</ref>

:*{{flagicon|Bulgaria}} The [[Bulgaria]]n Foreign Ministry demanded the immediate release of two Bulgarian journalists travelling in the convoy.<ref>[http://www.sofiaecho.com/2010/05/31/909227_two-bulgarian-journalists-arrested-by-israeli-forces-during-gaza-aid-convoy-operation Two Bulgarian journalists arrested by Israeli forces during Gaza Aid convoy operation], by Nick Iliev, The Sofia Echo, 31 May 2010</ref>

:*{{flagicon|Denmark}} [[Denmark]]'s Minister of Foreign Affairs, [[Lene Espersen]], described the confrontation as strongly worrying and has summoned the Israeli ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to explain the incident.<ref name="Politiken">{{cite news|title=Espersen ønsker forklaring fra Israels ambassadør|newspaper=Politiken|date=31 May 2010|url=http://politiken.dk/politik/article983529.ece |language=Danish}}</ref>

:*{{flagicon|Finland}} [[Finland]] [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Finland)|Foreign Minister]], [[Alexander Stubb]], expressed "shock" at the Israeli commando raid and called for an explanation of the incident and on the circumstances surrounding it. The Israeli Ambassador to Finland was called to the Foreign Ministry over the incident.<ref>[http://www.yle.fi/uutiset/news/2010/05/stubb_shocked_at_gaza_aid_flottila_raid_1724502.html Stubb Shocked at Gaza Aid Flottila Raid], YLE.fi, 31-05-2010</ref>

:*{{flagicon|France}} French President [[Nicolas Sarkozy]] condemned "the disproportionate use of force" against the flotilla.<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100531/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_palestinians Israeli commandos storm aid flotilla; 10 killed], by Amy Teibel and Tia Goldenberg, The Associated Press, 31 May 2010.</ref> French [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (France)|Minister of Foreign and European Affairs]] [[Bernard Kouchner]] was "profoundly shocked" by the incident and demanded an inquiry. Kouchner stated, "Nothing can justify the use of violence such as this, which we condemn."<ref>[http://alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/PAB008367.htm FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER KOUCHNER SAYS "PROFOUNDLY SHOCKED"]</ref>

:*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[German]] [[Foreign Minister]] [[Guido Westerwelle]] voiced "deep concern" at reports of deaths when Israeli commandos stormed a flotilla of six activist ships heading to Gaza.<ref>[http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/326377,german-minister-deep-concern-at-gaza-flotilla-deaths.html German minister 'deep concern' at Gaza flotilla deaths]</ref>

:* {{flagicon|Greece}} Two of the ships, ''Eleftheri Mesogeios'' ("Free Mediterranean Sea") and "Sfendoni" ("Sling") were under the [[Greece|Greek]] flag. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs [[Dimitris Droutsas]] has called Ali Yahia, the Israeli Ambassador in Greece for briefing and explanations about the incident. The joint Greek-Israeli military exercise "Minoas 2010" was stopped. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the official position of Greece is that the activity of NGOs must be exercised freely, under the obvious condition that it is lawful. The Ministry also activated its Crisis Handling Unit for the relatives of those aboard the mission.<ref name="ana-mpa">{{cite web|url=http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=8772722&maindocimg=8752004&service=144|title=Crisis Management Unit activated after Israeli forces storm NGO aid flotilla|date=31 May 2010|access date=31 May 2010|publisher=[[ANA-MPA]] News Agency}}</ref>

:*{{flagicon|Ireland}} [[Republic of Ireland|Irish]] [[Taoiseach]] [[Brian Cowen]] has described the attacks as "very serious" and stated that he feels the blockade action was a violation of international law. He also stated that people are allowed to receive humanitarian assistance and that there should be an international investigation into the matter, describing the Israeli action as "disproportionate". [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ireland)|Minister for Foreign Affairs]] [[Micheál Martin]] said he was "gravely concerned" about the reports of at least ten people being killed. No Irish citizens were harmed in the attack. The Israeli ambassador to Ireland has been summoned to the Irish [[Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland)|Department of Foreign Affairs]].<ref>[http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0531/mideast.html RTÉ News - Deaths as Israel boards Gaza-bound ships (31 May 2010)]</ref>

:*{{flagicon|Italy}} Italian Deputy Foreign Minister [[Alfredo Mantica]] called the international flotilla to the Gaza Strip a "provocation". However, he did not justify the Israeli course of action. "The manner of the response is debatable, but to think that it would all pass without Israeli action is naiveté on the part of the organizers. I believe someone wanted to see how harsh Israel's response would be," he said.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3896664,00.html |title=Italian deputy FM calls Gaza flotilla 'provocation' - Israel News, Ynetnews |publisher=Ynetnews.com |date=31 May 2010 |accessdate=31 May 2010}}</ref>

:*{{flagicon|Luxembourg}} [[Luxembourg]] [[Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg|Deputy Prime Minister]] and [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Luxembourg)|Minister for Foreign Affairs]], [[Jean Asselborn]], "strongly condemned those responsible for the attack on the flotilla" and demanded an international investigation to ascertain responsibilities.<ref>[http://lequotidien.editpress.lu/index.php/politique-et-societe/12042-condamne-fermement-les-responsables-raid-contre-flottille.html "Je condamne fermement les responsables du raid contre la flottille"] (in French), Le Quotidien, 31 May 2010</ref>

:*{{flagicon|Poland}} [[Poland]]’s [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Poland)|Foreign Minister]], [[Radek Sikorski]] said that his government supports the European Union’s call for an international investigation into the Israeli attack against a Turkish convoy.<ref>[http://www.thenews.pl/international/artykul132696_poland-calls-for-israel---gaza-investigation.html Poland calls for Israel - Gaza investigation], thenews.pl, 31-05-2010</ref>

:*{{flagicon|Portugal}} [[Portugal]] [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Portugal)|Foreign Ministry]] issued a statement expressing "deep concern" over the incident, condemned the "excessive use of force against civilian targets" and called for an "impartial" investigation.<ref>[http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/326457,portugal-condemns-excessive-use-of-force-by-israel.html Portugal condemns 'excessive use of force' by Israel], [[Earth Times]], Deutsche Presse Agentur, 31-05-2010</ref>

:*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] has summoned the Israeli ambassador for questioning.<ref name="alj-blog"/>

:*{{flagicon|Sweden}} [[Sweden]] summoned the Israeli ambassador, Benny Dagan, to the [[Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Sweden)|Ministry for Foreign Affairs]].<ref name="aftonbladet">{{cite web|last=Balksjö|first=Jessica||last=Hökerberg|first=Josefine|title=En mycket allvarlig situation|publisher=Aftonbladet|date=31 May 2010|url=http://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/article7217360.ab|accessdate=31 May 2010 |language=Swedish}}</ref> Foreign Affairs Secretary [[Frank Belfrage]] called the incident "unacceptable".<ref name=aftonbladet/>

:*{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} The [[United Kingdom]]'s Foreign Secretary [[William Hague]] said he "deplored" the loss of life and called on Israel to open border crossings for aid access.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/10196585.stm |title=LIVE: Israeli raid on Gaza flotilla |publisher=BBC News |date=31 May 2010 |accessdate=31 May 2010}}</ref> [[Scotland]]'s [[Deputy First Minister of Scotland|Deputy First Minister]] [[Nicola Sturgeon]] said Israel's actions had been "rightly condemned around the world". She called on Israel to lift its blockade of Gaza, and expressed her "deep sadness" at the loss of life on the flotilla.<ref name="scots">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/scotland/10198187.stm Concern for Scots on Gaza aid flotilla], BBC News, 31 May 2010</ref> In Belfast, protests were held in front of the City Hall to condemn Israel's actions and to call for an end to the siege of Gaza.<ref>http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/uk-ireland/demo-held-over-gaza-flotilla-attack-14826707.html</ref>

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*{{flagicon|Vatican City}} The [[Holy See]] expressed "great concern and pain" about the Israeli attack.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corriere.it/notizie-ultima-ora/Esteri/Medio-Oriente-assalto-israeliano-pacifisti-Vaticano-preoccupato/31 May 2010/1-A_000108445.shtml |title=Medio Oriente: assalto israeliano a pacifisti, Vaticano "preoccupato" - Corriere della Sera |publisher=Corriere.it |date=31 May 2010 |accessdate=31 May 2010 |language=Italian}}</ref>

*{{flagicon|Iceland}} The Foreign Minister of Iceland, [[Össur Skarphéðinsson]], condemned the attack saying that "Gaza is in fact a giant prison where international law is violated. This must stop,"<ref>[http://visir.is/ossur-fordaemir-framferdi-israela/article/2010519889386 "Össur fordæmir framferði Ísraela"], Visir.is May 31, 2010 (Viewed May 31, 2010).</ref> and "We support the demands that have been made, e.g. by the EU, that this matter be thoroughly investigated. It is intolerable that Israel repeatedly excerts force in this way."<ref>[http://www.ruv.is/frett/fordaemir-arasir-israela "Fordæmis árásir Ísraela"], RUV.is May 31, 2010 (Viewed May 31, 2010).</ref>

*{{flagicon|Norway}} [[Norway]]'s Foreign Minister, [[Jonas Gahr Støre]], has called for a meeting with the Israeli ambassador to Norway.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dagbladet.no/2010/05/31/nyheter/utenriks/aksjon/jonas_gahr_store/israel/11941087/ |title=Støre: - Sjokkert over Israel |publisher=Dagbladet.no |date=31 May 2010 |accessdate=31 May 2010 |language=Norwegian}}</ref>

*{{flagicon|Russia}} [[Russia]]'s [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Russia)|Foreign Ministry]] expressed "condemnation and deep concern" over the incident and called for a full investigation. It also called the use of "weapons against citizens and the seizing of ships in open waters with no legal grounds a gross violation of commonly accepted international legal norms."<ref>[http://en.rian.ru/russia/20100531/159235535.html Russia condemns Israel over Gaza flotilla attack], RIA Novosti, 31-05-2010</ref> The head of the [[Russia]]n [[State Duma]] Foreign Affairs Committee, Konstantin Kosachev, called for an "urgent meeting" of the [[Middle East Quartet]] to discuss the incident.<ref>[http://rt.com/Top_News/31 May 2010/gaza-aid-israel-attack.html Up to 19 reported killed as Israel disrupts Gaza humanitarian effort], [[RT (TV network)|RT]], 31 May 2010</ref>

*{{flagicon|Turkey}} In [[Turkey]], hundreds of protesters tried to storm the Israeli consulate in Istanbul. A Turkish foreign ministry statement condemned Israel,<ref name=tel>{{cite web|last=Spencer |first=Richard |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/7789117/At-least-16-dead-as-Israeli-troops-storm-Gaza-aid-flotilla.html |title=At least 16 dead as Israeli troops storm Gaza aid flotilla |publisher=Telegraph |date=31 May 2010 |accessdate=31 May 2010}}</ref> and the country was reported to have summoned the Israeli ambassador to lodge a protest.<ref name="aljazeera1"/> Turkey has recalled its ambassador to Israel.<ref name="turkamb">{{cite news|title=Turkey withdraws ambassador to Israel over deaths|newspaper=Washington Post|date=31 May 2010|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/31/AR2010053100985.html}}</ref> Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said that the raid was state terrorism and decided to return from Chile.<ref>http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE64U1UF20100531</ref> [[İlker Başbuğ]], [[Chief of the General Staff (Turkey)|Chief of the Turkish Armed Forces]] held a phone conversation with the Israeli Chief of Staff and called the raid unacceptable and indicated such actions could hold very serious consequences.<ref> http://www.tsk.tr/10_ARSIV/10_1_Basin_Yayin_Faaliyetleri/10_3_Bilgi_Notlari/2010/BN_55.html </ref>

===Arab reactions===

*{{flagicon|Arab League}} The [[Arab League]] called an emergency meeting on 1 June to discuss what it called Israel's "terrorist act" against the flotilla.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/middle_east/10196585.stm |title=LIVE: Israeli raid on Gaza flotilla |publisher=BBC News |date=231 May 2010 |accessdate=31 May 2010}}</ref>

:*{{flagicon|Iraq}} An [[Iraq]]i government official, MP [[Khairallah al-Basri]] (a member of current premier [[Nouri al-Maliki]]'s [[State of Law Coalition]]), condemned the attack and described it as a "new humanitarian disaster," as well as, "a violation of human rights and a breach of international standards and norms."<ref>[http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/326401,attack-on-gaza-flotilla-humanitarian-disaster-says-iraq-official.html Attack on Gaza flotilla 'humanitarian disaster', says Iraq official], [[Earth Times]], Deutsche Presse Agentur, 31 May 2010</ref>

:*{{flagicon|Jordan}} [[Jordan]]ian Minister of Communication and Media Affairs [[Nabil al-Sharif]] called the Israeli action an "ugly, unacceptable crime" and said that Jordan held Israel "completely accountable and responsible for any harm caused to the Jordanians on board."<ref name="alj-blog"/>

:*{{flagicon|Kuwait}} The [[Kuwait]]i parliament has called an emergency session to discuss the attack.<ref name="alj-blog"/>

:*{{flagicon|Lebanon}} [[Saad Hariri]], the Prime Minister of [[Lebanon]], said, "The Israeli attack on the aid convoy is a dangerous and crazy step that will exacerbate tensions in the region. Lebanon firmly denounces this attack and calls on the international community, notably major powers... to take action in order to end this continued violation of human rights and threat to international peace."<ref name="alj-blog"/>

:*{{flagicon|Palestine}} [[Palestinian Authority]] president, and [[Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organisation]] ([[Palestine Liberation Organisation|PLO]]) since 11 November 2004, [[Mahmoud Abbas]] said that "Israel has committed a massacre".<ref>[http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/abbas-israel-has-committed-a-massacre-on-the-gaza-flotilla-1.293186?localLinksEnabled=false Abbas: Israel has committed a massacre on the Gaza flotilla]</ref> Palestinian government official [[Mustafa Barghouti]] stated that Israel's actions would lead to the [[Economic and political boycotts of Israel|international boycott]] growing in strength.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3896805,00.html |title=Fatah official: Israel world's most despicable country - Israel News, Ynetnews |publisher=Ynetnews.com |date=31 May 2010 |accessdate=31 May 2010}}</ref>

:**[[Image:Flag of Hamas.svg|22x13px|border]] [[Hamas]] spokesman [[Sami Abu Zuhri]] said, "We call on all Arabs and Muslims to rise up in front of Zionist embassies across the whole world".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/04-gaza-flotilla-casualties-qs-01|title=At least 10 dead as Israel forces storm Gaza aid boat|date=31 May 2010|publisher=Dawn|accessdate=31 May 2010}}</ref>

:*{{flagicon|Syria}} The [[Syria]]n government has called a meeting of the [[Arab League]] to discuss the attack.<ref name="alj-blog"/>

:*{{flagicon|Egypt}} The [[Egypt]]ian President Hosni Mubarak denounced Israel's use of "excessive and unjustified force that led to the loss of innocent lives". The Foreign minister summoned the Israeli ambassador to condemn "acts of killing and excessive force against international activists."

===Other countries===

*{{flagicon|Argentina}} [[Argentina]]'s Foreign Affairs Ministry (Cancillería) issued a statement condemning the attack by Israeli forces, called for a full investigation and deeply regretted the loss of human lives.<ref>[http://www.losandes.com.ar/notas/2010/5/31/un-493164.asp Rechazo del Gobierno argentino] (in Spanish), Los Andes online, 31-05-2010</ref>

*{{flagicon|Australia}} [[Australia]]'s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was "deeply saddened by loss of life following the incident."<ref>[http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/australians-on-aid-flotilla-are-safe-20100531-wqsj.html Australians on aid flotilla are safe], Australian Associated Press, smh.com.au, 31 May 2010</ref>

*{{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Brazil]]'s [[Ministry of External Relations (Brazil)|Ministry of External Relations]] issued a statement strongly condemning the Israeli action, calling for an independent investigation and the end of the blockade of the Gaza Strip. Brazil also expressed deep concern over the well-being of one of its citizens, Iara Lee, that was on board the flotilla. They further said that they had instructed the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations to fully support an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss the Israeli military action, and that the Ambassador of Israel in Brasília had been summoned to explain the events.<ref>[http://www.itamaraty.gov.br/sala-de-imprensa/notas-a-imprensa/ataque-israelense-a-201cflotilha-da-liberdade201d Note 349 - Israeli flotilla attack] [[Ministry of External Relations (Brazil)|Ministry of External Relations of Brazil]]. Retrieved on 2010-05-31. {{pt|icon}}</ref>

*{{flagicon|Canada}} The [[Prime Minister of Canada|Canadian prime minister]]'s office released a statement saying it "deeply regrets" the loss of life in the Israeli raid on an aid flotilla sailing to the blockaded Gaza Strip and that they are "... are currently looking for more information in order to shed light on what exactly happened".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2010/05/31/israel-gaza-aid-death.html |title=Zardari Israel storms Gaza-bound aid ships |publisher=cbc.ca |date=31 May 2010 |accessdate=31 May 2010}}</ref>

*{{flagicon|Chile}} [[Chile|Chilean]] [[Senate of Chile|Senator]] Alejandro Navarro, who was scheduled to be aboard the Gaza aid convoy, denounced the attack as "cowardly and disproportionate against unarmed civilians."<ref>[http://www.mercuriovalpo.cl/prontus4_noticias/site/artic/20100531/pags/20100531104556.html Senador Navarro dice que pudo morir en ataque israelí a flota humanitaria] (in Spanish), [[El Mercurio del Valparaíso]], 31-05-2010</ref>

*{{flagicon|China}} [[China]] [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China|Foreign Ministry]] spokesman [[Ma Zhaoxu]] condemned Israel's raid on the international convoy and urged Israel to seriously implement UN Security Council resolutions and improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.<ref>[http://english.cri.cn/6909/2010/05/31/2021s573541.htm China Condemns Israel's Attack on Gaza Aid Flotilla], by Zhang Xu, Xinhua News Agency, 31-05-2010</ref>

*{{flagicon|India}} [[India]]'s Ministry of External Affairs release a statement condemning the attack by Israeli forces. "There can be no justification for such indiscriminate use of force, which we condemn,” said the release.<ref>[http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/india-condemns-israeli-attack-on-pro-palestinian-peace-activists_100372987.html India condemns Israeli attack on pro-Palestinian peace activists] , Thaindian, 31-05-2010</ref>

*{{flagicon|Indonesia}} [[Indonesia]]n foreign minister [[Marty Natalegawa]] condemned Israeli action and said that Israeli blockade in Gaza is a violation of international law.<ref>[http://dunia.vivanews.com/news/read/154500-menlu__indonesia_kutuk_serangan_israel Menlu: Indonesia Kutuk Serangan Israel], VIVAnews, 31 May 2010</ref>

*{{flagicon|Iran}} [[Iran]]ian president [[Mahmoud Ahmedinejad]] said that the incident was an "inhuman action of the Zionist regime against the Palestinian people" and that it would bring the regime "closer than ever to its end."<ref name="bbc-reaction">{{cite news|title=Reaction to Gaza aid ship deaths|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/10196351.stm|publisher=BBC News|date=31 May 2010}}</ref> The Iranian government has called for a boycott of Israel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/5/31/worldupdates/2010-05-31T153846Z_01_NOOTR_RTRMDNC_0_-489340-1&sec=Worldupdates |title=Iran calls on world to cut ties with Israel |publisher=Thestar.com.my |date=31 May 2010 |accessdate=31 May 2010}}</ref>

*{{flagicon|Pakistan}} [[Pakistan]] strongly condemned the Israeli action, calling it a cruel act and an open violation of international laws and ethics. Pakistan has also expressed deep concern over the well-being of Pakistanis and journalists on board and Pakistani missions are in touch with Arab countries of the region to get information about the status of the Pakistanis in the flotilla.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/updates.asp?id=105799 |title=Pakistan condemns Israeli raid on Gaza aid boat |publisher=Thenews.com.pk |date=31 May 2010 |accessdate=31 May 2010}}</ref> President of Pakistan [[Asif Ali Zardari]] and Prime Minister of Pakistan [[Yousuf Raza Gilani]] strongly condemned the Israeli actions. They further said that the [[Government of Pakistan]] is exerting all its efforts to find out what had happened to the Pakistanis aboard the flotilla.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://geo.tv/5-31-2010/65904.htm |title=Zardari condemns Israel for aid ship brutality |publisher=GEO.tv |date=31 May 2010 |accessdate=31 May 2010}}</ref>

*{{flagicon|South Africa}} [[South Africa]] [[Department of International Relations and Cooperation (South Africa)|Foreign Ministry]] issued a statement "strongly condemning all military aggression by Israel against innocent civilians, including those in the occupied West Bank and Gaza."<ref>[http://www.dfa.gov.za/docs/2010/isra0531.html South Africa condemns the Israeli Attacks on Aid Ships to Gaza], Department of International Relations and Cooperation, 31-05-2010</ref>

*{{flagicon|Tunisia}} The Foreign Affairs Ministry of [[Tunisia]] issued a statement saying "While reiterating its condemnation of all forms of collective punishment, Tunisia urges the international community, particularly influential forces to immediately intervene to lift the unjust blockade imposed on the Palestinian people in Gaza and to put an end to their suffering". Tunisia added that it was "reaffirm[ing] its rejection of these hostile practices that are an affront to the international community and a violation of agreements and international and humanitarian resolutions, which threaten to further complicate the situation in the region and undermine any hope of peace".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tunisiaonlinenews.com/?p=40182 |title=Tunisia condemns Israeli attack against Gaza humanitarian aid flotilla |publisher=Tunisia Online News |date=31 May 2010 |accessdate=31 May 2010}}</ref>

*{{flagicon|USA}} A [[White House]] spokesman said that the United States "deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries sustained, and is currently working to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy."<ref name="alj-blog" />

===Human Rights Groups===

*[[Amnesty International]] accused Israel of using excessive force, and claimed that the level of lethal force used was out of proportion to any threat that could have been posed by the protesters. Amnesty International called on Israel to make public the rules of engagement used by the commandos, and to launch an "immediate, credible and independent investigation".<ref>http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/israeli-killings-gaza-ship-activists-must-be-investigated-2010-05-31</ref>

*[[B'Tselem]] demanded that an independent and effective investigation conducted by non-military officials be launched immediately. B'Tselem stated that among the issues that needed investigating are whether proportionate force was used, whether the soldiers were trained and equipped to cope with this type of event, what open-fire regulations were given to soldiers, and whether alternative options were considered.<ref>http://www.btselem.org/English/Press_Releases/20100531.asp</ref>

==See also==