Germany "shocked" by Israeli attack on Gaza aid flotilla

An Israeli naval vessel patrols near the port of Ashdod, Israel, May 31, 2010. Clash happened on Monday morning between an international Gaza aid flotilla and Israeli navy, causing at least 19 casualties, Israeli military confirmed. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

BERLIN, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The German government on Monday expressed shock at Israel's attack on an international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to besieged Gaza and deeply regret the loss of human life in the attack.

According to German government spokesman Ulrich Wilhelm, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle had telephoned his Israeli colleague Avigdor Lieberman and requested a comprehensive investigation, including demanding a quick clarification of the fate of five German nationals who are believed to be on board.

German news channel N-TV reported that the five Germans include Inge Hoeger and Annette Groth, both members of parliament of the German Left Party.

Israeli forces on Monday attacked an international flotilla carrying aid to besieged Gaza, killing up to 19 and wounding more than 30 others, Israeli media reported.

The clash happened after Isreali soldiers tried to stop the flotilla from reaching Gaza. Israel's private Channel 10 television said Israeli forces opened fire after being attacked by a number of passengers.

๑۩۞۩๑๑۩۞۩๑๑۩۞۩๑๑۩۞۩๑๑۩۞۩๑

Sphere: Related Content