European Countries Summon “Israeli” Ambassadors Demanding Explanations for Attacks

The Greek foreign ministry said in a statement that it had asked for "immediate information concerning the safety of 30 Greek citizens on board the boats, and stressed on the need to take necessary measures to ensure their security", AFP quoted the statement as saying.

Meanwhile, the Greek defense ministry announced Athens withdrawal from joint military exercises with "Israel" in protest.

In Sweden, Foreign Minister Carl Bildt expressed concern over the reported casualties and said it was crucial to "quickly establish" what happened with the Freedom Flotilla convoy to Gaza, which was carrying pro-Palestinian activists and tons of humanitarian aid.

"We have summoned the "Israeli" ambassador to get information," said Bildt, who is currently in Italy, He also said that he had been in touch with the European Union's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton to ensure that the EU gives a "clear response during the day when we get a clearer picture of what has happened."

Spain, which now holds the rotating EU presidency, also summoned the "Israeli" ambassador for an explanation for the deadly raid on the six convoy ships, aboard which were at least three Spanish aid workers and activists.

In Berlin, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle showed "deep concern" from the reports of deaths caused by "Israeli" attack on the aid convoy.

"The initial news is alarming," said Westerwelle, adding German officials were seeking more details into the incident.

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner assured on his part that "nothing can justify" such a violence, and said he was "deeply shocked" by "Israel's" commando raid.

As for Ireland, Irish Foreign Minister Michael Martin condemned "Israel's" raid on aid ships bound, adding that Ireland was trying to confirm the safety of eight Irish nationals and one Irish-Turkish national who were aboard the freedom flotilla convoy ships.

"The reports of death and injury, 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," Martin said.