17 August 2010 - 19:30

A lethal attack by Israeli commandos on a Gaza-bound aid convoy continues to generate outrage with France, Germany, Belgium and Ireland coming together to condemn the raid.

Ahlul Bayt News Agency (ABNA.ir), A lethal attack by Israeli commandos on a Gaza-bound aid convoy continues to generate outrage with France, Germany, Belgium and Ireland coming together to condemn the raid. Reacting to the Israeli assault that killed 20 people on board the aid ships, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner demanded an immediate inquiry into the violent act. "I am profoundly shocked by the tragic consequences of the Israeli military operation against the Peace Flotilla for Gaza," Kouchner said in a statement Monday. "Nothing can justify the use of violence such as this, which we condemn," Reuters quoted Kouchner as saying. German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, for his part, said he was "deeply concerned" about the deaths. Belgian Foreign Minister Steven Vanackere described the scale of the force used as "extremely regrettable." Vanackere, however, went on to say that he needed more information on the exact course and cause of the event, reported German news agency DPA. Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin joined hands with other members of the international community to condemn the Israeli raid. According to AFP, Martin viewed the attack as a "totally unacceptable response." The aid convoy Freedom Flotilla -- co-organized by the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) -- was carrying tens of thousands of tons of supplies for the besieged Gaza Strip. More than 700 Palestinian and international activists along with journalists were onboard the ships. Nine of those killed are believed to be Turkish nationals.

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