Israel has found itself at the centre of growing global outrage after its deadly commando raid on a flotilla carrying 10,000 tonnes of aid to Gaza.
The Israeli military has confirmed that nine people died in the bloodshed, which sparked widespread condemnation during an emergency session of the UN Security Council in New York last night.
The Palestinians and Arab nations, backed by a number of council members including Britain, France, Russia and China, called for an independent investigation and the lifting of the blockade on Gaza.
Turkey’s foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu called the attack “banditry and piracy” and “murder conducted by a state”.
Israel maintains its troops acted in self defence after they were attacked by activists on board the ships.
President Barack Obama expressed “deep regret” over the deaths and stressed “the importance of learning all the facts and circumstances around the tragic events as soon as possible”.
David Cameron described Israel’s deadly assault as “unacceptable” as Britain joined global calls for an inquiry into the incident.
In a telephone conversation with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the PM insisted Britain remains committed to Israel’s security but called for a “constructive” response to “legitimate criticism” of its actions.
Foreign Secretary William Hague called for a “full, impartial and independent” inquiry as Tel Aviv was urged to identify and provide consular access to all Britons caught up in the incident.
The Foreign Office confirmed that one Briton was injured and had received medical treatment.
Israel insists its forces retaliated against an attack by people on board armed with knives and guns but activists said the commandoes were shooting as they boarded.
Amid an international storm of protest, Mr Netanyahu voiced regret at the loss of life but said his soldiers were attacked and “had to defend themselves”.
As the United Nations Security Council met in emergency session, he ditched a planned meeting with President Obama to fly home to handle the crisis.
The killings have prompted anti-Israeli protests around the world.
Hundreds of protesters blocked Whitehall as they chanted outside Downing Street before heading to the Israeli embassy to continue their demonstration.
Most of the dead were Turkish and there were angry protests in several Turkish cities.
Live footage shot by activists on the Turkish passenger boat, the Mavi Marmara, showed black-clad Israeli troops clashing with activists and several wounded people lying on the deck of the ship.
Israeli forces took the six ships in the aid flotilla to the port of Ashdod and arrested 80 of the 700 activists on board.
