Published Monday 31/05/2010 (updated) 02/06/2010 10:33

Bethlehem – Ma’an – As international condemnation over the killing of at least 10 activists by Israeli forces as they raided an aid convoy en route to Gaza, a host of governments have summoned Israeli ambassadors to provide a full explanation on the assault.

The countries include:

Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Cyprus
Denmark
Egypt
Finland
France
Greece
Ireland
Jordan
New Zealand
Norway
South Africa
Spain
Sweden

China and Russia deeply condemned the move, but have not gone so far as to call in Israel’s representatives. In response to Israel’s attack on the Freedom Fleet, Nicaragua suspended all diplomatic ties with Israel.

Meanwhile, The British daily The Guardian spoke with Lauren Booth, sister of Cherie Blair, who was on the first Free Gaza mission that left Cyprus in 2008.

Booth is calling for the British Foreign Office to expel Israeli diplomats, pending a full inquiry, she told the daily.

Earlier on Monday, Turkey said it was withdrawing its ambassador describing Israel’s actions as equal to “piracy,” The Associated Press reported.