Turkish President wants probe over Israel attack on Gaza ship

Gul said in a statement that Ankara is demanding an inquiry into the violent interdiction of the Turkey-backed convoy and the punishment of the culprits. President Gul told a statement on Monday, "I strongly condemn Israeli navy's using force against an aid convoy including members of non-governmental organizations from 32 countries."

He offered his condolences to those who lost their beloved ones in the raid.

"The international community should not remain indifferent in the face of this attack in the international waters, some 69 nautical miles from Israeli territorial waters which targeted civilians including women, children, the elderly and religious officials from different faiths. It was a violation of the international laws," he said.

"It is impossible to accept ignorance of 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 and state 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 opening of every kind of investigation into the incident. We also request Israel to bring those who are responsible to justice," he added.

Turkey decided to recall its ambassador to Israel in protest after Israeli commandos stormed Gaza-bound aid ships, Turkey's Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday.


/World Bulletin/