Dublin/London The Irish government on Monday expressed 'grave concern' over the fate of eight Irish citizens travelling on the aid convoy stormed by Israel, the Foreign Ministry in Dublin said.
'I am gravely concerned at the reports emerging of the storming of a Turkish ship this morning by Israeli commandos. My department is seeking to establish the full facts of what has occurred and confirm the safety of the eight Irish nationals who sailed with the Turkish' led flotilla,' said Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin.
'The reports of up to 15 people killed and 50 injured, if confirmed, would constitute a totally unacceptable response by the Israeli military to what was a humanitarian mission attempting to deliver much needed supplies to the people of Gaza,' he said.
In London, Britain's Stop The War Coalition (STWC) said the action 'should see Israel condemned under international law.'Israel has repeatedly flouted law and public opinion worldwide in its treatment of the Palestinians ... The decision by Israel to attack the flotilla with such loss of human life shows its arrogant and deadly intent in opposing any aid to the Palestinians,' a statement said.
Arab, Islamic states slam Israeli attack on Gaza flotilla
In Geneva, Arab and Islamic states slammed the attack by the Israeli military on the flotilla, at the United Nations on Monday.
The Organization of the Islamic Conference, representing 56 states, condemned the attack in a speech delivered by Pakistan at the Human Rights Council which was opening its summer session.
Pakistani officials and diplomats from Arab states said they were holding consultations on taking further steps at the UN in Geneva.
Qatar, in its speech to the council said it “strongly condemns the violent aggression against the flotilla in international waters today,” adding that it “runs counter to all principles and rules of international law.”
