World condemns Israel for attacking Gaza aid flotilla

Egyptian protestors shout anti-Israel slogans in a rally in Cairo, capital of Egypt, May 31, 2010, after Israeli commandos attacked an aid flotilla carrying hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists, killing at least 19 people in the predawn raid. (Xinhua/Nasser Nouri)

BEIJING, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Israel's attack on a Gaza-bound international aid flotilla on Monday has triggered widespread criticism from countries and international organizations around the world.

Up to 19 civilians were killed and some 30 injured in the predawn showdown between Israeli navy and pro-Palestinian activists onboard the flotilla, consisting of nine ships from Turkey, Britain, Ireland, Greece, Kuwait and Algeria loaded with supplies such as cement, water purification systems and wheelchairs.

The incident happened after Isreali soldiers tried to stop the flotilla from reaching besieged Gaza. The Israeli army responded that their commandos opened fire at the ships when they felt their lives were "under threat."

"We found weapons aboard the ship for use against the soldiers," said Israeli Vice Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon at a press conference, adding that the flotilla's behavior was "an act to break the blockade on Gaza."

After the deadly incident, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is currently on a visit to Jordan, said "what Israel has committed against the activists of the Freedom Flotilla is a massacre," and called for three-day mourning and flags at half-mast.

Palestinian embassy in Turkey meanwhile called Israel's intervention on aid ships "barbarous."

"The attack is an organized state terrorism against civilians coming all around the world to help oppressed people living under besiege for more than four years. This is a barbarous attack against our people living in Gaza, human rights, and NGOs which defend international laws and organized this convoy," said the embassy.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul said "It is impossible to ignore the lives of defenseless civilians who were trying to take humanitarian aid to Gazan people."

"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.

Turkey on Monday has decided to recall its ambassador to Israel.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak also condemned Israel's excessive use of force against the peaceful aid flotilla, and insisted on Egyptians' solidarity with the people in Gaza and that the inter-Palestinian reconciliation was the only way to lift the blockade and end the humanitarian sufferings in the region.

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".

In a statement after the incident, White House spokesman Bill Burton said the United States "deeply regrets" the loss of life and injuries in the Israeli raid and that U.S. officials were "currently working to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy."

To deal with the aftermath, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to cancel a trip to the United States, together with a scheduled meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama.

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.

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," Kouchner said, adding that the new conflict proved that current situation in Gaza was not stable and called urgent policy response to address the rising tension in that region.

Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said Israel's attack was "absolutely serious" and he "absolutely deplored" the killing of civilians in the navy attack, but he also said the event "should not affect the progress of peace negotiations and the final solution for the Middle East."

Iran meanwhile called the regime in Tel Aviv a threat to global peace and security after the clash on Monday. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that raid was indicative of Tel Aviv's weakness, and that "supporting the people of Palestine is equal to supporting peace and freedom of every nation."

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.

Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton also called for a timely enquiry into the deadly attacks on Monday, and for an "immediate, sustained and unconditional opening" of the crossing for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza.

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.

Robert Serry, UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, and Filippo Grandi, commissioner-general of the UN Relief and Works Agency also said in a joint statement that they "wish to make clear that such tragedies are entirely avoidable if Israel heeds the repeated calls of the international community to end its counterproductive and unacceptable blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip."

The UN Security Council is expected to meet on Monday afternoon for an emergency session to discuss the Israel's attack.

Meanwhile, the Cairo-based Arab League (AL) called on the international community to move as quickly as possible to stop Israel's actions which it described as terrorism and causing unrest in the region. The pan-Arab body has decided to hold an emergency meeting Tuesday on the incident.

"The Arab League Council will study all the repercussions and developments and take a stance that maintains the rights of the Palestinians and the legitimate Palestinian cause," AL's Deputy Secretary-General Ahmed bin Helli said Monday.

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Obama regrets casualties in Israeli raid on Gaza aid flotilla

WASHINGTON, May 31 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday talked with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over phone, expressing "deep regret" over casualties in Israeli raid on Gaza aid.

"He said he understood the Prime Minister's decision to return immediately to Israel to deal with today's events. They agreed to reschedule their meeting at the first opportunity," a White House statement said.

"The President 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 statement said.

"The President also expressed the importance of learning all the facts and circumstances around this morning's tragic events as soon as possible," the statement added.

Israeli forces on Monday attacked the aid ships when trying to stop the flotilla from reaching Gaza, killing up to 20 and wounding more than 30 others.

Netanyahu has decided to cut short his trip to Canada and the United States and fly back to Israel to deal with the aftermath of the incident.

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Sudan condemns Israeli attack on Freedom Flotilla

An injured person is evacuated to Rambam hospital in the northern city of Haifa, 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)

KHARTOUM, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The Sudanese government on Monday condemned the Israeli attack on the Freedom Flotilla which was heading to Gaza, and urged the international community to condemn the incident and punish Israel.

"Sudan government, strongly condemning the repeated Israeli crimes, calls on the international community, including governments, organizations and peoples, to come together, more than any time before, against the state of the Zionist enemy and to show the real power of law to prevent Israel from what is committing of crimes against humanity and genocide against the Palestinian people", said a statement by Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

The ministry further urged the international community to come together to see that Israel would not escape punishment, saying that "this crime is an unsurprising addition to the series of the heinous Israeli crimes which it commits everyday without a blink of an eye since it is enjoying protection and support of influential countries in the international community and amid exposed silence on the part of the United Nations".

In a related development, the Sudanese National Assembly (parliament) on Monday condemned the Israeli attack against the Freedom Flotilla, which was carrying international activists who were on their way to Gaza Strip in Palestine.

"The parliament condemns the Israeli attack against international activists who were trying to deliver food for the civilians in Gaza", the parliament statement said.

The statement further urged the "sisterly Arab parliaments" to condemn the Israeli attack against civilians, adding that "the attack constitutes a major crime against civilians and should be condemned; and Israel must be punished".

In the meantime, the Sudan's ruling National Congress Party (NCP), for its part, condemned the Israeli attack and called for an urgent official and people's Arab move to support the Palestinian people and contribute to lifting all forms of aggression and injustice from them.

The NCP, in a statement issued Monday, urged the Arab states to adopt resistance as a strategic option and put pressure on the United Nations to live up to its duty in laying down the bases of justice and guaranteeing the rights of people in free and noble life, and in deciding their destiny, and to bring the criminals of war who are leading the Zionist entity to justice.

The NCP further urged the Arab states to adopt a unified stance towards the U.S. policy in the region as it is the official sponsor of the Zionist entity and its crimes.

The NCP, as well, called on the Palestinian factions to unite in the face of the Zionist-American project in the region.

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Iran strongly condemns Israeli raid on flotilla, urges punitive actions

An injured person is evacuated to Rambam hospital in the northern city of Haifa, 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)

TEHRAN, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Iranian officials on Monday strongly condemned Israeli deadly attack on a flotilla carrying pro- Palestinian activists and tons of supplies for Gaza and called for international punitive measures against Israel.

The Israeli raid on the Freedom Flotilla was indicative of Tel Aviv's weakness, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said, adding that the regime in Tel Aviv is a threat to global peace and security.

Israel "thinks that such actions are a sign of power, whereas they should be aware that this will lead to their end," Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying.

Calling for international efforts to save the Palestinian nation, the Iranian president said, "Supporting the people of Palestine is equal to supporting peace and freedom of every nation, " the local satellite Press TV reported.

Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi also said the international community must isolate Israel for attacking an aid convoy en route to the impoverished Gaza Strip, according to Press TV.

"Israel triggered the countdown of its destruction by attacking the Freedom Flotilla," the report quoted Vahidi as saying.

The Iranian minister added that the imposition of all- encompassing sanctions, severing all diplomatic, economic and political ties with the Zionist regime is the least the international community could do against Israel for committing such a horrendous crime, according to Press TV.

Urging the international community for urgent reaction, he said that "This is an important test for the advocates of human rights which will show how committed they are to their slogans."

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili also strongly condemned the attack on the aid convoy, saying it shows Israel's " sheer desperation," according to Press TV.

"Under growing pressure from world public opinion, the criminal and terrorist Zionist regime has now resorted to maritime murder," Jalili was quoted as saying.

He said such moves by the Israeli regime symbolize Tel Aviv and Washington's "opposition to the freedom of nations."

"The behavior of the Israeli regime over the past year, particularly the terrorist act this morning, indicates Obama's peace plan was a deceptive move aiming to buy the Zionist regime time," Press TV quoted Jalili as saying.

He said the Israeli attack on the Gaza aid flotilla is a test of will for all those who claim to be advocates of freedom and human rights.

"The U.S. as well as the Zionist regime's regional and international sympathizers should be accountable to the world public opinion for supporting Tel Aviv," said Jalili.

Meanwhile, spokesman for the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Kazem Jalali described the fatal attack by Israel on the Gaza aid convoy a "war crime", according to Press TV.

Jalali also criticized Tel Aviv for being a "threat to global security," said the report.

In a statement issued by Iran's Foreign Ministry on Monday, Tehran called on the UN Security Council and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to hold emergency sessions and take swift action against the Zionist regime for attacking Gaza aid convoy, according to the official IRNA news agency.

Foreign Ministry of Iran condemned Israel's Monday attack and said, "The incident once again revealed the criminal and warmonger nature of the Zionist regime."

The Zionist regime's attack on ships and their crew recalls acts of sea piracy in the past centuries and such measures are clear examples of maritime terrorism, said the statement.

It is now time for the international community to take strong actions against the constant crimes of the aggressive and occupying regime, the statement added, said the statement.

In the meantime, Iranian students gathered in front of the UN headquarters in Tehran in protest to the Israeli Monday attack, said Press TV.

The students held Palestinian flags, chanting "Death to Israel, " "Death to America," and "Death to Britain," according to the report.

Early Monday morning, Israeli forces launched an attack on the aid fleet en route to the besieged Gaza Strip, killing at least 19 people and leaving scores injured.

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UAE condemns Israeli attack on humanitarian flotilla to Gaza

ABU DHABI, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday expressed strong condemnation of Israel's attack on a humanitarian flotilla heading to Gaza, the state news agency WAM reported.

"The UAE strongly condemns the inhumane and criminal infliction of force carried out by Israel on the humanitarian convoy of civilians that has resulted in the death of at least 19 innocent aid workers and the wounding of several more," the report said.

The Gulf nation also condemned the violation of international law committed by the Israeli army in international waters against innocent civilians, it added.

The international community should work together to end "the continued collective and barbaric punishment" imposed by Israel on the Palestinian people, the report said.

In a statement, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan called on the secretary general of the UN to order an international investigation into the incident, according to WAM.

"The deaths of innocent civilians working to deliver basic humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza is a clear violation of international law and a moral outrage of the highest order," Sheikh Abdullah said.

"Such an incident should not pass uncensored and Israel must face the consequence of its actions. The UN Security Council should convene an emergency session and take appropriate action," he added.

Israeli forces on Monday attacked an international flotilla carrying aid to besieged Gaza, killing up to 16 and wounding more than 30 others, an Israeli television reported

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Turkey reacts strongly against Israeli intervention of aid flotilla

ISTANBUL, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Turkish leaders and citizens alike reacted strongly on Monday to Israel's violently interception of a Turkish-led aid flotilla bringing supplies to the blockaded Gaza.

An early morning raid by Israeli commandos resulted in 19 deaths according to Israeli TV, though Israeli officials have put death toll at nine.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking from Chile where he was conducting an official visit, said "It should be known we will not remain silent and inactive before Israel's inhuman state terror." He added that Turkey remained committed to peace no matter how committed Israel remained to violent attacks.

Erdogan has cancelled the rest of his South American visit and will be flying back to Turkey in the evening.

President Abdullah Gul also condemned the raid and offered condolences to the families of those killed on the vessel.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a written statement early in the morning strongly condemning Israel, saying "this serious infringement on international law may seriously damage bilateral relations." The ministry has summoned Israeli ambassador in Turkey for an urgent explanation of the issue, according to a ministry statement.

Later, both the Israeli Ambassador to Ankara and the Turkish Ambassador to Tel Aviv were recalled.

Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc said the government "cursed" Israel for its actions and said the action done on international waters "amounted to piracy." Arinc announced the cancellation of three upcoming joint military exercises with Israel.

Meanwhile Turkey, a non-permanent member of the United Nations' Security Council, called for an extraordinary meeting which will be held at 13:00 New York local time. Similarly, NATO will hold an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday upon Turkey's request.

Israel claims the violence was an act of self defense, Spokesman for the Israeli Prime Minister's office Ofier Gendelman told private channel NTV that some of the passengers were armed with weapons, including two Australians with pistols, as well as many who wielded pipes and knives against the Israeli security forces. Gendelman defended raid on the humanitarian relief vessels, saying ignoring the Israeli blockade was disregard of its national sovereignty, that any nation would have done the same, and that Israel had acted according to international law.

Israel raided the flagship of the six-ship flotilla, the Mavi Marmara (Blue Marmara), 70 nautical miles off its coast, past sovereign waters.

But the strongest reaction came from the Turkish public, where thousands showed up in Taksim square to stage a protest against Israel.

Seven thousand people, mostly religious citizens and members of the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation which organized the flotilla, held Palestinian and Turkish flags and Islamic banners. Many chanted pro-Islamic and anti-Israeli slogans and calling for Turkish military intervention in Gaza.

Vendors set up stands selling Palestinian and Islamic banners and headbands condemning Israel amongst the protesters.

The city center is filled with Palestinian and Turkish flags, showing wide support of the Turkish people on the special occasion.

Later, hundreds of members of left-wing groups such as the Turkish Communist Party also joined in support against Israel.

Public protests have been taking place all day, and started in front of the Israeli consulate in central Levent district hours before Israel's intervention on the ships.

Hundreds first gathered in front of the Israeli consulate to protest the Israeli intervention.

Protesters began spontaneously gathering in front of the consulate in Istanbul's central Levent district early Monday morning soon after midnight local time.

The predominantly religious crowd numbering nearly 2,000 spilled into the street interfering with traffic on one of Istanbul's busiest streets, and shouted anti-Israel slogans and held up Palestinian flags and Islamic banners.

Around 4:30 am, tension rose even more when news of Israel's violent intervention against the 6-ship relief flotilla reached the protesters.

Hearing two on-board had been killed, several people jumped the barrier around the building and attacked the building, breaking windows and causing property damage.

Police removed the protesters from the foyer of building and back behind the barriers. The protesters later found out they had attacked the wrong building and that the consulate was further down.

Particularly controversial was Israel's intervention taking place 70 miles out to sea in international waters.

As of morning the protests still continued in front of the consulate, with slogans calling for Turkish troops to intervene in Gaza, for Turkey to own up to its ships, and various religiously motivated chants.

"This is a seed protest," protester Hakan Erden, a 40-year-old advertiser, told Xinhua, adding "It will extend from Turkey in waves and spread to the world."

Resat Baser, an official with the Human Rights and Freedoms Humanitarian Aid Foundation, said they had received information that the ships were taken to Israel's Haifa Port but could not confirm the information.

Small scale protests continue to go on throughout the city well into the evening.

Israel has been imposing a tight blockade on the Gaza Strip since the Islamic Hamas movement seized control of the enclave by force in June 2007. However, Israel said that in spite of the blockade, it allowed food, fuels and humanitarian aid into the enclave over the past three years.

The flotilla consisted of six ships carrying about 10,000 tons of aid and activists and had set sail from a port in Cyprus on Sunday and was scheduled to reach Gaza by Monday morning, Al- Jazeera reported.

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Massive protests in Sweden to condemn Israel for attacking Gaza aid flotilla

STOCKHOLM, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of Swedes joined demonstrations to protest Israeli raid on Gaza aid flotilla in several Swedish cities on Monday.

In Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, around 6,000 protesters, chanting anti-Israeli slogans and waving Palestinian flags, gathered in a central square of the city. A number of speakers expressed their disgust and dismay over the Israeli attack.

The protesters also marched toward the Israeli embassy in Stockholm.

Similar protests were held in Gothenburg and Malmoe, the second and third largest cities of Sweden.

Earlier on Monday the Swedish government summoned Israel's ambassador to explain the deaths of 10 pro-Palestinian activists during a raid on a Turkish aid ship bound for Gaza.

The Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt described the incident as unacceptable in a statement. He said an impartial investigation must be done.

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Brazilian president criticizes oil spill in Gulf of Mexico

NASA MODIS satellite image, taken May 23, 2010, of the Gulf of Mexico shows the extent of the oil released from the Deepwater Horizon spill. The oil can be seen as a sheen on the water surface. BP was weighing whether to stick with the tricky "top kill" maneuver or try something else to plug the gushing well that has caused the worst oil spill in U.S. history, its chief operating officer Doug Suttles said on May 29, 2010. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Monday slammed the huge oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico as a scandal of the developed world.

"I find it funny the way the Western press report the disaster," he said.

"If the disaster was made by Brazilian oil company Petrobras in the Guanabara Bay, the developed world would have used it against us," he said in a public speech here to applause.

The oil spill occurred after British oil giant BP Plc's Deepwater Horizon platform exploded in April. So far, an estimated 18 million to 40 million barrels of crude have gushed into the ocean and hopes of plugging the damaged oil well soon seem slim.

Oil has already reached the southern coast of the United States and the environmental damage and financial impact have yet to be fully estimated.

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El Ejército de Israel ataca la 'Flota de la Libertad'

AGENCIA ATLAS 31-05-2010

Esta madrugada la armada israelí ha abordado una flota de barcos que transportaba ayuda humanitaria hacia Gaza.

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"No somos violentos, han usado una brutalidad innecesaria"

Israel ataca en aguas internacionales la flotilla de ayuda a Gaza y mata al menos a 10 activistas.- Algunos medios elevan la cifra a 19 muertos y más de 36 heridos.- EL PAÍS habla con uno de los heridos.- El convoy estaba formado por seis barcos con 750 personas a bordo, tres de ellas españolas

ANA CARBAJOSA| AGENCIAS - Ashdod/Jerusalén - 31/05/2010

madrugada en aguas internacionales una flotilla de seis barcos, con más de 750 personas a bordo, que transportaba ayuda humanitaria para Gaza. En el ataque han muerto al menos 10 activistas y otros 30 han resultado heridos, aunque algunos medios elevan la cifra a 19 y hablan de más de 36 heridos. Las víctimas son activistas que viajaban en el buque turco Mavi Marmara y la acción militar se ha producido en aguas internacionales. Entre las 750 personas que forman parte del convoy humanitario hay tres españoles.

• Un escritor sueco, una Nobel de la Paz y varios parlamentarios europeos

• Una flotilla con ayuda humanitaria navega hacia Gaza
• Exteriores confirma que los tres cooperantes españoles de la flotilla están bien
• Internet, una ventana para seguir al 'Mavi Marmara'
• La ONU se muestra consternada y condena el ataque
• Israel se asoma al abismo
• EE UU lamenta profundamente el ataque israelí contra la flotilla
• "Estoy orgullosa de mi hijo"

Ataque israelí a la flotilla de apoyo a Gaza

GRAFICO - El Pais - 31-05-2010

Descripción de la ruta de los barcos con destino a Gaza con ayuda humanitaria. - EL PAÍS

Israel

A FONDO

Capital:

Tel Aviv.

Gobierno:

Democracia Parlamentaria.

Población:

7,112,359 (est. 2008)



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Dos de ellos, Laura Arau y Manuel Tapial, son miembros de la organización Cultura, Paz y Solidaridad y el tercero es David Segarra, periodista del canal de televisión Telesur. Tapial ha estado durante los últimos días contando el viaje en su blog. El cooperante contaba detalles de la expedición y en las últimas horas confesó la inquietud que le producía la presencia militar israelí en torno a los barcos. El Gobierno español ha asegurado que los tres españoles están bien y a la espera de ser repatriados a España.

Israel se defiende

El Gobierno de Israel ha lamentado esta mañana, en rueda de prensa, la muerte de los activistas pero ha asegurado que las intenciones de la flotilla eran"ilegales" y que desoyeron las advertencias hechas de "forma pacífica" por parte del Ejército para que abandonaran su intención de llegar hasta Gaza. El Gobierno israelí ha asegurado que dentro de los barcos interceptados han encontrado armas y que los militares israelíes han sido atacados por miembros del convoy, a los que acusan de pertenecer a "Hamás y Al Qaeda", con "fuego real, cuchillos y palos". El Ejecutivo israelí reconoce que hay un bloqueo contra Gaza, pero asegura que está justificado "para evitar ataques contra la población civil de Israel" y sostiene que la ayuda que los activistas tenían previsto entregar en territorio palestino no es necesaria porque "Gaza tienen sus necesidades humanitarias cubiertas".

Horas antes, el Ejército aseguró en una nota que no había atacado el convoy sino que se había limitado a hacer cumplir la orden del Ejecutivo de Tel Aviv de impedir cualquier entrada no autorizada al enclave palestino. La acción del Ejército israelí ha tenido una "enérgica respuesta" por parte de Turquía y de Hamás. El Gobierno de Ankara ha advertido a Israel de que tendrá "consecuencias irreparables" y ha llamado a consultas al embajador israelí en Ankara. Por su parte, Hamás ha llamado a la intifada contras las embajadas israelíes. El presidente palestino, Mahmud Abbás, ha decretado tres días de luto en los territorios palestinos.

El ministerio de Exteriores español también ha llamado al embajador israelí Rafael Schutz, para pedirle explicaciones por los "inaceptables" y "gravísimos" hechos.

Evacuación de los heridos

Los heridos están siendo evacuados al puerto israelí de Ashdod, al sur de Israel, donde el Ejército ha empezado a levantar un campamento. Los periodistas que esperaban la llegada de los heridos han sido desalojados y los miembros de la flotilla están incomunicados ya que se han cortado las comunicaciones telefónicas. La portavoz del Ejército israelí, Avital Leibovitz, ha confirmado a los periodistas que esperan la llegada a puerto de los barcos que la acción militar israelí se ha producido en aguas internacionales. De momento, han arribado dos de los seis barcos, mientras que los otros cuatro siguen en alta mar. El primero en llegar ha sido el Challeger y , según un portavoz de Exteriores, lo activistas se han resistido a bajarse del barco. Una vez en tierra, se les identifica y se les ofrece volver inmediatamente a sus países en avión o iniciar el proceso judicial para deportarlos por haber entrado ilegalmente en Israel.

Sobre los hechos ocurridos al bordo del Mavi Marmara, la portavoz israelí ha relatado que los militares fueron atacados por una decena de activistas que portaban palos y dos pistolas, que habían arrebatado a los soldados israelíes. Pinina Feiler, madre de uno de los activistas israelíes de la flotilla, ha relatado a El PAÍS que habló con su hijo por última vez a las 5.30: "Nos contó que estaban rodeados por barcos militares israelíes. Desde entonces no hemos vuelto a saber nada de él". La mujer espera junto a otros familiares la llegada a puerto de los buques interceptados.

La confrontación se perfilaba anoche inevitable en el extremo este del Mediterráneo. El Ejército israelí ultimaba un impresionante dispositivo con el que pretendía interceptar a los cientos de activistas propalestinos que navegaban rumbo a la franja de Gaza a bordo de seis barcos. La tripulación de la llamada flotilla de la libertad reiteró que no tenían intención de rendirse. El Ejército insistió en que no permitiría a los activistas atracar en Gaza. Naciones Unidas y la Unión Europea habían llamado a la responsabilidad de las partes con el fin de evitar el incidente. El objetivo de los activistas, de 60 nacionalidades distintas, era hacer llegar a la franja 10.000 toneladas de ayuda humanitaria. Las flota de barcos partió el 22 de mayo del puerto de Estambul y más allá de la entrega de materiales de construcción y de medicinas, a lo que aspiraban estos grupos de derechos humanos era a burlar el bloqueo que Israel mantiene sobre la población de Gaza desde que Hamás se hizo con el control de la franja hace tres años.

Un escritor sueco, una Nobel de la Paz y varios parlamentarios europeos

Los ocupantes de la flotilla atacada esta madrugada por el Ejército israelí pertenecen a más de 60 nacionalidades. Entre ellos se encuentran el escritor sueco Henning Mankell y varios parlamentarios de Alemania, Noruega, Suecia, Bulgaria e Irlanda. El autor de la saga del detective Wallander ha apoyado en ocasiones anteriores la causa palestina, la más reciente, el pasado día 9, cuando participó en un festival de literatura palestina en Jerusalén.

También viajaba a bordo de uno de los barcos la noirlandesa Mairead Corrigan Maguire. De 66 años y nacida en Belfast, ganó el Nobel de la Paz en 1976 junto con la activista Betty Williams, por su iniciativa The Peace People para lograr una salida no violenta al conflicto norirlandés.

Maguire ha viajado varias ocasiones a los territorios ocupados. De hecho, en 2007 recibió el impacto de una bala de plástico durante una protesta en la localidad palestina de Bilin. También participó en octubre de 2008 en el segundo viaje de Freegaza Movement, el movimiento que desde agosto de ese año ha organizado nueve flotillas con ayuda humanitaria -cinco de ellas lograron romper el bloqueo- con destino a Gaza.

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Iran, Brazil term Tehran Declaration important

TEHRAN, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called the Tehran Declaration as a great and important measure towards bringing about peace and justice worldwide, the official IRNA news agency reported Monday.

On a telephone conversation with his Brazilian counterpart on Sunday evening, Ahmadinejad appreciated the "brave stands" Lula da Silva adopted on the trilateral agreement reached in Tehran by Iran, Brazil and Turkey on Iran's "peaceful" nuclear program, the report said.

Ahmadinejad further called for continuation of talks between the two countries and added Tehran and Brasilia, with the help of each other, can take proper measures to benefit the two countries as well as the world, according to IRNA.

For his part, the Brazilian president said the Tehran Declaration was important and effective.

The Brazilian president added he is determined to make further efforts to get the support of the world leaders for the Tehran Declaration.

He said he is to contact with his French and Russian counterparts as well as the Chinese president about the issue.

Earlier this month, Iran, Turkey and Brazil signed a joint declaration in Tehran to endorse a fuel swap according to which Iran will ship most of its low-enriched uranium to Turkey in exchange for the 20 percent uranium fuel needed for its reactor.

The swap, first proposed by the United Nations last October but later rejected by Iran, will take place in Turkey.

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German President Horst Koehler resigns

German President Horst Koehler is watched by his wife Eva Luise as he addresses the soldiers of the German army Bundeswehr in Mazar-i-Sharif, May 21, 2010. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

BERLIN, May 31 (Xinhua) -- German Federal President Horst Koehler announced Monday that he will step down with immediate effect for criticism of his controversial remarks on German troops' mission in Afghanistan.

"I declare my resignation from the office of President," said Koehler in Berlin.

Kohler said he has informed Jens Boehrnsen, president of the upper house of the German parliament, on his resignation. Boehrnsen will temporarily assume the presidential duty.

Kohler has triggered an outcry with a statement that military operations could also serve the economic interests of Germany. He said later that he had been misunderstood and that his remarks did not refer to the Afghanistan mission but rather to occasions such as military missions against pirates.

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Syrians protest against Israeli attack on Gaza aid convoy

DAMASCUS, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Several Syrian cities witnessed on Monday mass protest demonstrations denouncing the Israeli aggression on the Freedom Flotilla with aid to Gaza in the international waters.

Xinhua correspondent at the UN Development Program (UNDP) headquarter in Damascus saw that Palestinian political organizations and Syrian national foundations organized a sit-in in front of the international organization.

The protestors waved flags of the Palestinians and political organizations and chanted against the Israeli bloody aggression.

They also expressed their solidarity stances with the people in Gaza, calling on the UN and the international community to put an end to the Israeli assaults against civilians.

The protestors also demonstrated in Daraa, Sweida, Aleppo and other Syrian cities, condemning the Israeli assault, the Syrian TV reported.

Israeli military navy attacked early Monday morning the international aid convoy Freedom Fleet in the international waters with live ammunition and gas bombs, causing 20 activists on board killed and over 30 injured, according to local media.

The fleet which left Cyprus Sunday to the Gaza Strip consists ships from Turkey, Greece, Ireland, Sweden, Algeria and Kuwait with humanitarian aids to the besieged people in Gaza.

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Pakistan condemns Israeli attack on aid ships

ISLAMABAD, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has strongly condemned the attack of Israeli Defense Forces on a peaceful flotilla, resulting in loss of innocent lives and injuries to many, PM office said Monday.

Meanwhile Pakistan's Foreign Ministry also strongly condemned the use of brazen force by Israel against the humanitarian mission that was embarked on delivering humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza.

"The killing of members of this humanitarian mission, which also included women, is brutal, inhuman and constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and norms," a Foreign Ministry statement said.

The statement said Pakistan is seriously concerned over the well-being and whereabouts of the Pakistani citizens and journalists including senior TV anchors Syed Talat Hussain and Raza Mahmood Agha who were onboard the flotilla of aid ships bound for Gaza.

The Foreign Ministry is in constant touch with its missions in the region to ascertain the well-being of Pakistani nationals, it said.

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Jordanians protest Israeli raid on Gaza-bound flotilla

AMMAN, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of Jordanians took to the streets in Amman on Monday, protesting the Israeli raid on a flotilla of aid ships bound for Gaza Strip.

During a march from the Jordanian professional associations' headquarters to the Prime Ministry, the demonstrators chanted slogans against Israel, calling for closing the Israeli embassy in Amman.

The demonstrators urged the government to expel the Israeli ambassador in Amman and annul the Wadi Arabia peace treaty Jordan and Israel signed in 1994.

Holding Jordanian and Palestinian flags, the participants, who included members of the Islamic Action Front and trade union activists as well as representatives of political parties, called lifting the Israeli siege on Gaza Strip.

"We condemn the terrorist operation and call on the government to shoulder its responsibilities in protecting the Jordanians on board of the flotilla," the professional associations said in a statement of which a copy was obtained by Xinhua.

According to the professional associations, there are 23 Jordanians on board of the aid-carrying ships.

The raid by the Israeli commandoes on the aid-carrying ships bound for Gaza at Monday dawn lead to the death of 19 people on board of the ships, according to Israel's Channel 10 television.

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French president condemns Israeli attack against humanitarian flotilla

PARIS, May 31 (Xinhua) -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday condemned Israel's attack against an international flotilla to Gaza, a statement issued by his office said.

"The President of the Republic expressed his profound emotion to the tragic consequence of Israel's military operation against the 'peace flottia' destination to Gaze," the statement said.

"He condemns the disproportionate use of military force and sends his condolences to victims' families," the statement added.

Like Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, the president's office also called thorough investigation into the attack and urged re-launch of peace process in the region.

Kouchner said earlier in the morning that "nothing can justify the use of such a violence that we condemn," and said he was shocked to know the news.

Israeli forces on Monday attacked an international flotilla carrying aid to besieged Gaza on international waters, killing up to 19 and wounding more than 30 others, an Israeli television reported. One of the ships had not arrived and two others had been damaged.

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Egyptian president condemns Israeli attack on aid ships

CAIRO, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak condemned Israel's excessive use of force against a flotilla of aid ships heading for Gaza, a statement from the presidential palace said Monday.

The president insists on Egyptians' solidarity with the people in Gaza and that the inter-Palestinian reconciliation is the only way to lift the blockade and end the humanitarian sufferings in Gaza, the statement said.

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U.S. "deeply regrets" casualties in Israeli raid on Gaza aid flotilla

WASHINGTON, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The United States "deeply regrets" the loss of life and injuries in an Israeli raid on a flotilla of aid boats to the Gaza Strip, the White House said Monday.

Israeli forces on Monday attacked the aid ships when trying to stop the flotilla from reaching Gaza, killing up to 20 and wounding more than 30 others.

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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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Pan-Islamic body condemns Israeli attack on Gaza aid flotilla

RIYADH, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) strongly condemned an Israeli attack against an international aid fleet Gaza Freedom Flotilla, that has killed 20 activists.

"This crime is a serious escalation and a flagrant violation of the international law and human values," OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said in a statement.

The chief of the pan-Islamic body also held Israel responsible for the safety of the activists and offered condolences to the families of the victims.

Ihsanoglu also reiterated a call for ending the blockade imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip for over four years.

The statement said Ihsanoglu called upon the Arab and Islamic group in the United Nations to call urgent meetings at the UN Security Council and Human Rights Council to examine "this heinous crime."

The secretary-general of the Jeddah-based body also said he would hold contacts with international sides to push for an investigation into the Israeli attack and "punish the Israeli officials over the crimes they commit against humanity."

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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.

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GERMAN PRESIDENT SAYS HE IS TO STEP DOWN: REPORT GERMAN PRESIDENT SAYS HE IS TO STEP DOWN: REPORT

German president Horst Koehler resigns

Germany's president Horst Koehler says he is stepping down with immediate effect, in a surprise move after criticism of recent comments he made about the country's mission in Afghanistan.

"I am resigning my post as federal president with immediate effect," Koehler, 67, whose job is largely ceremonial, said on Monday in Berlin.

"It was an honour for me to serve Germany as president," a visibly emotional Koehler told reporters with his wife at his side.

He said he had already informed Chancellor Angela Merkel of his decision.

"I thank the many people in Germany who have put their trust in me and supported my work. I ask for you to understand my decision."

Koehler came under fire for saying that an export-reliant country like Germany occasionally needed to defend its economic interests by preventing regional instabilities like that in Afghanistan.

Such regional instabilities "certainly have a negative impact on us through trade, jobs and income", Koehler told German radio on May 22.

A former managing director of the International Monetary Fund, the popular Koehler was elected to the post of president in 2004 and re-elected in 2009.

Polls show that a majority of Germans are opposed to the mission in Afghanistan.

Koehler said his comments were "misunderstood" and that his remarks were not meant to refer to the mission in Afghanistan, where Germany has 4500 troops in a NATO-led force tackling a Taliban-led insurgency.

Berlin wants to begin bringing its soldiers home in 2011, an aim shared by Washington, but has not fixed a date for withdrawal.

Under the constitution, the president of Germany's upper house, the Bundesrat, currently Jens Boehrnsen from the opposition Social Democrats, takes over Koehler's duties provisionally.

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Dimite el presidente de Alemania tras sus polémicos comentarios sobre el uso del ejército en Afganistán

Horst Köhler ha comunicado su renuncia esta mañana en Berlín

31/05/2010

El presidente de Alemania, Horst Köhler, ha comunicado su dimisión esta mañana en Berlín, tras las críticas recibidas por sus comentarios sobre el despliegue del ejército alemán (Bundeswehr) en Afganistán. "Comunico mi dimisión del cargo de Presidente", ha señalado Köhler, esta mañana en Berlín. La polémica comenzó cuando el Presidente señaló el pasado 22 de mayo, durante una visita a las tropas en Afganistán, que un país como Alemania, con grandes intereses en el comercio exterior, debe saber que las intervenciones militares son necesarias para mantener sus intereses comerciales. Entre lágrimas y con la voz entrecortada, Köhler ha leído su dimisón acompañado por su mujer en su residencia oficial y la ha presentado ante las principales autoridades nacionales.

Horst Köhler

A FONDO

Nacimiento:

22-02-1943

Lugar:

Skierbieszow

Alemania

A FONDO

Capital:

Berlín.

Gobierno:

República Federal.

Población:

82,369,552 (est. 2008)

La palabras de Köhler desataron la controversia al sugerir que el despliegue de las topas de la Bundeswehr (ejército alemán) en la guerra de Afganistán estaba motivada por intereses comerciales, en vez de por razones de seguridad nacional. Durante su visita al país asiático, Köhler dio a entender que el debate público esta asumiendo paulatinamente que proteger el comercio nacional era un motivo legítimo para iniciar una acción militar. La oposición criticó duramente la opinión del Presidente y le recrimnó el daño que podía haber causado a la imagen de la misión de la OTAN en Afganistán.

Durante una entrevista con la radio Deutschlandradio, Köhler comenzó su intervención señalando que Alemania se encontraba en Afganistán junto a sus aliados para asegurar su seguridad y que sería bueno abrir el debato sobre estas cuestiones. Luego añadió: "Pero considero que, en general, vamos camino de comprender, incluso de manera amplia entre la sociedad, que un país de nuestro tamaño, con su orientación hacia el comercio exterior y por lo tanto también dependiente del comercio exterior, tiene que ser consciente de que cuando peligren debido a una emergencia, el despliegue militar es también necesario para proteger nuestros intereses".

"Por ejemplo, con la libertad de las rutas comerciales, o para impedir la inestabilidad en toda una region, lo que tiene un impacto negative en nuestras oportunidades comerciales, empleos e ingresos. Todo esto debería discutirse y creo que no lo estamos hacienda demasiado mal", añadió el dignatario alemán.

Köhler ha presentado su renuncia a la canciller, Angela Merkel, al vicecanciller, Guido Westerwelle y al presidente del Tribunal Constitucional, Andreas Voßkuhle. El Presidente ha hecho pública su decisión desde su residencia oficial, junto a su esposa Eva Luise, mientras se le saltaban las lágrimas y con la voz entrecortada.

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