Turkish president strongly condemns Israeli raid on Gaza aid ships

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Thousands of demonstrators protest againstan attack by Israeli forces on the international Gaza aid flotilla that has killed 20 people, including Turkish activists,in Istanbul, Turkey, Monday, May 31, 2010.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

ANKARA, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Abdullah Gul strongly condemned Monday Israel's raid on an international convoy of six ships carrying activists and humanitarian aids to Gaza.

Gul said in a statement "I strongly condemn Israeli navy used force against an aid convoy with members of non-governmental organizations from 32 countries."

"The international community should not remain indifferent in the face of this attack in the international waters, some 69 nautical miles (127.8 km) from Israeli territorial waters which targeted civilians. It was a violation of the international laws," he said.

"It is impossible to ignore the lives of defenseless civilians who were trying to take humanitarian aid to Gazan people. Israel isolates its people with such policies. I wish that Israeli politicians will put an end to this situation," he said.

"Actually, Gazan blockade is not a matter between Turkey and Israel, but an international matter. It is a serious tragedy. We expect Israel to lift this inhuman blockade immediately," he said.

President Gul said that all necessary initiatives were launched to protect rights and interests of Turkish citizens in the convoy.

"Turkey requests starting each kind of investigation into the incident. We also request Israel to bring those who are responsible to justice," he added.

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