Turkish Foreign Ministry recalls ambassador to Israel upon military assault

PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey on Monday warned Israel of "irreparable consequences" to bilateral ties after more than 10 people died in an Israeli operation on aid-carrying ships bound for Gaza, among them Turkish vessels. Turkish Foreign Ministry recalled the ambassador to Israel upon the military assault, reported broadcaster Haberturk.

The Israeli envoy was summoned to the Foreign Ministry as hundreds gathered outside Israeli missions to protest the assault that came atop already badly worsened ties between the two former allies.

"By targeting civilians, Israel has once again shown its disregard for human life and peaceful initiatives. We strongly condemn these inhumane practices of Israel," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"This deplorable incident, which took place in open seas and constitutes a fragrant breach of international law, may lead to irreparable consequences in our bilateral relations," it said.

"Israel will have to bear the consequences of this behaviour, which constitutes a violation of international law," it said.

Israeli Ambassador Gabby Levy held a 20-minute meeting with a senior Foreign Ministry official and left the ministry without making a statement.

He was told that "Turkey retains all its rights under international law concerning this assault," a Turkish diplomat, who asked not to be named, told AFP.

"We are considering the actions that we may take under international law," he said.

Turkey also asked for a detailed report on the fate of all people who were aboard the vessels, he said, adding that they included nationals from a total of 33 countries.

Levy was also told that the Turkish passengers and the wounded should be repatriated to Turkey in the shortest possible time and the vessels released, he said.

The Israeli navy stormed the flotilla of six vessels early Monday as it sailed to Gaza in a bid to break the blockade of the impoverished enclave, in place since 2007, and deliver some 10,000 tons of supplies.

The Israeli army said more than 10 passengers were killed, while Turkish charity IHH, which was part of the campaign, said at least 15 people were dead, most of them Turks, Hurriyet Daily News reported.