news worldnews middleeast israel 7792726 ----- # Gaza aid flotilla attack: David Cameron calls Israel's assault 'unacceptable' ## David Cameron described Israel's deadly assault on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla as ''unacceptable'' as Britain joined global calls for an inquiry into the incident which killed at least nine people. ![Whitehall HR must tackle staff morale during David Cameron's 6.2bn cuts.][1] Whitehall HR must tackle staff morale during David Cameron's 6.2bn cuts. Photo: GETTY IMAGES 1:08AM BST 01 Jun 2010 In a telephone conversation with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday night, Mr Cameron insisted Britain remains committed to Israel's security, but called for a ''constructive'' response to ''legitimate criticism'' of its actions. William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, 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. Anxious relatives and friends across the UK were still awaiting news of those who had taken part in the pro-Palestinian mission to defy a block on humanitarian assistance. Israel insists its forces retaliated against an attack by people on board armed with weapons including knives and guns, but activists said the commandoes were shooting as they boarded. ## Related Articles * [Five Palestinians killed by Israeli strike][2] 01 Jun 2010 * [Gaza aid flotilla: UN calls for impartial inquiry][3] 01 Jun 2010 * [Gaza aid flotilla attack: several Britons detained][4] 01 Jun 2010 * [Hundreds of protesters demonstrate against flotilla shootings][5] 01 Jun 2010 * [Gaza aid flotilla: Israel releases activists][6] 01 Jun 2010 * [Egypt opens border with Gaza for humanitarian aid][7] 01 Jun 2010 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 to discuss the issue, he ditched a planned meeting with US President Barack Obama today to fly home to handle the crisis. A Downing Street spokesman said: ''The Prime Minister spoke to Israeli PM Netanyahu. The Prime Minister deplored the heavy loss of life off the coast of Gaza. ''He reiterated the UK's strong commitment to Israel's security, but urged Israel to respond constructively to legitimate criticism of its actions, and to do everything possible to avoid a repeat of this unacceptable situation. ''The PM also stressed the importance of urgently lifting the blockade of Gaza, and allowing full access for humanitarian aid.'' Hundreds of protesters had earlier blocked Whitehall as they chanted outside Downing Street before heading to the Israeli embassy to continue their demonstration. They were among thousands across the world who gathered to voice their anger at Israel's treatment of the ship which was carrying 10,000 tonnes of aid including building materials. It was sent as part of a bid to highlight the humanitarian suffering in Gaza, but the effort ended in violence as Israeli commandos boarded the ship overnight in international waters. Mr Hague said: ''We are in urgent touch with the Israeli government both in Israel and in London, seeking more information about UK nationals who have been involved. ''Of course, Israel must provide consular access to those individuals as that information becomes available.'' The Foreign Secretary, who earlier said he ''deplored'' the deaths and called on Israel to lift the blockade in line with a UN Security Council resolution, went on: ''It is very important that Israel acts with restraint and in line with international obligations in any case such as this. ''We will all want to know more about whether more could have been done to minimise the risks or to reduce the number of deaths and injuries. ''That is why we agree with our EU partners and other international partners that there must be a full and impartial and independent investigation or inquiry into these events.'' Israeli officials said the death toll was nine, but some reports put it as high as 19. A Foreign Office spokesman said that one of the injured was a Briton. He said: ''We can confirm that one British national was injured in the incident. The British national has received medical treatment. ''We have been providing consular assistance to the British national in Israel and to their family in the UK.'' Many of the protesters blockading Whitehall had been on previous missions to Gaza and also knew people who were part of the targeted flotilla and were waiting for news along with relatives across the country. Irish premier Brian Cowen directly blamed the Gaza blockade for the deaths. ''I believe that is in violation of international law. People are entitled to have humanitarian assistance,'' he said. 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