Brazil summons Israeli envoy over raid

Brazil has joined a host of countries across the world to summon the Israeli ambassador over Tel Aviv’s deadly attack on a Gaza-bound aid convoy.

At least 20 people were killed and 50 others injured when the Israeli navy stormed the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid to the coastal enclave, early on Monday.

“Brazil condemns, in vehement terms, the Israeli action, given that there was no justification for a military intervention on a peaceful convoy of a strictly humanitarian character,” AFP quoted the foreign ministry as saying in a Monday statement.

The attack brought worldwide condemnation, with many countries summoning the Israeli ambassadors serving there.

The statement added that the Israeli ambassador to Brasilia had been summoned to convey Brazil’s “indignation” over the attack to Tel Aviv officials.

The foreign ministry further voiced concern over the fate of a Brazilian woman, Iara Lee, who was on one of the nine ships bound for Gaza.

“Brazil considers that the incident should be the object of an independent investigation that should fully elucidate the facts in the light of human rights and international law,” the statement said.

The Freedom Flotilla convoy was carrying 10,000 tons of supplies and hundreds of politicians, activists and journalists to break the three-year Israeli imposed blockade on the Gaza Strip.

The statement also said “the tragic results of the Israeli military operation showed, once again, the need for the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip to be immediately lifted” and for inhabitants there to be given access to food and medicine.