World Bulletin / News Desk

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Israel's raid on Gaza-bound ships carrying civilians and humanitarian aid as a bloody massacre which deserved every kind of curse.

Speaking at parliamentary group meeting of his Justice & Development (AK Party), Erdogan said, "two bloody attacks were staged at the darkest hours of Monday night. One of them was an act of terror on a naval base in southern Turkey. Six troops were killed and seven others were injured. The second one was a predawn attack in the Mediterranean Sea which led to one of the heaviest blows on conscience of the humanity."

"Aid ships were intercepted by force and brutality. The ships loaded with mercy and affection were prevented from reaching their destination. Israeli armed forces illegally attacked the flotilla carrying 600 people from 32 countries and humanitarian aid to Gazan people, and killed innocent people," he said.

Erdogan said that they harshly condemned the inhuman attack on ships carrying civilians including women, children and religious officials from different faiths.

"This bloody massacre by Israel on ships that were taking humanitarian aid to Gaza deserves every kind of curse. This attack is on international law, the conscience of humanity and world peace," he said.

"The ships declared their cargo and their intention to the whole world before setting sail to Gaza. 60 journalists from Turkey and the other countries were also on board the ships to witness the campaign. It is evident that this attack on 600 people and 6 ships carrying aid to poor Palestinian people who were left destitute, is on the basic philosophy of the United Nations. The ships were loaded with humanitarian aid and they were strictly controlled under the international traffic rules. They were carrying volunteers. But they were subject to such an armed attack," he said.

"We refused Israel's offer to send the injured passengers. We have the will and power to take our own injured people. Two military ambulance left to bring back the injured passengers. Civilians planes of the Ministry of Health is about to arrive there," he said.

Erdogan said, "Israel must inform the world public opinion correctly. It should not refrain from international cooperation. Israel should acknowledge the importance of the situation and correct its mistake."

Prime Minister Erdogan called on Israel to immediately end the inhumane blockade of Gaza.

Final decisions?

Erdogan will meet Chief of General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug and ministers who are the members of the National Security Council (MGK) later on Tuesday to discuss the Israeli attack on the aid convoy, Anadolu news agency said.

Earlier on Tuesday Erdogan said, "I wish our final decisions will be good for everyone." But he did not mention any decisions at this parliamentary address while he denounces Israeli attack.

However, Turkish media now questions what "final decisions" may be.

Deputy prime ministers, justice, national defense, interior and foreign ministers are the MGK-member ministers.

Erdogan will continue to hold talks with ministers, military and civilian executives also on Wednesday.

"Israel not ashamed of its crimes"

Erdogan said, "staging an armed attack on aid ships, killing innocent people and treating civilians as if they were terrorists are nothing but degradation of humanity and vile recklessness. This insolent, irresponsible, reckless and unfair attack by the Israeli government which trampled on every kind of human value must be punished by all means."

Erdogan said, "Turkey and Spain has been co-chairing the Alliance of Civilizations initiative with the aim of consolidate the idea that different faiths, civilizations and cultures can co-exist in peace and tolerance."

"Unfortunately, what happened yesterday was a dark stain on the history of humanity. Staging an armed attack on aid ships, killing innocent people and treating civilians as if they were terrorists are nothing but degradation of humanity and vile recklessness. Even warfare has its own rules. Even in warfare, no one can attack on children, women, the elderly, civilians, religious officials and aid workers. Even despots, bandits and pirates have a certain sensitivity. They abide by some moral principles," he said.

"But Israel has almost challenged the whole world by raiding ships carrying volunteers from 32 different nations. This insolent, irresponsible, reckless and unfair attack by the Israeli government which trampled on every kind of human value must be punished by all means," he said.

Prime Minister Erdogan called on the international community to launch an investigation instead of waiting for action from a government which was not ashamed of its crimes.

"Turkey is not a newly established state. No one should test Turkey's patience. Turkey's friendship is valuable. On the other hand, its enmity is violent," he said.

"There have always been friendly relations and cooperation between Turkish people and Jewish people. I believe that Israeli people who criticized this bloody attack, understand the fact that it was a heavy blow on the friendly relations between the two countries," Erdogan added.

Erdogan said Turkey would continue to support the Palestinian people.

"We will not turn our back on Palestine, Palestinians and Gaza," Erdogan said.

"No one should test Turkey's patience," he added. "Turkey's hostility is as strong as its friendship is valuable."

He urged Israelis to question the actions of their government.

"It is damaging your country's image by conducting banditry and piracy," Erdogan said. "It is damaging interests of Israel and your peace and safety. It is the Israeli people who must stop the Israeli government in the first place."