US refuses to condemn Israel

Despite the international community’s outrage over the Gaza aid flotilla attack, the US has declined to condemn Israel for the offensive.

When asked if President Barack Obama condemns Israel over the attack, the White House stuck to the wording of the UN Security Council statement on the Israeli onslaught.

The White House, Israel’s strongest ally, has only voiced “regret” at the loss of lives and the injuries resulting from the use of force but stopped short of specifically condemning Israel.

Israel’s high-seas interception of the flotilla has provoked a firestorm of criticism around the world and shredded Israel’s already tattered relationship with Turkey, once its only Muslim ally.

Israel has always weathered world outrage over its policies toward Palestinians, largely because it could rely on Washington to veto resolutions against it at the UN Security Council and protect it from any punishment.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier supported the military action against the Freedom Flotilla.

The humanitarian aid convoy was carrying thousands of tons of supplies and hundreds of politicians, activists and journalists when Israeli forces assailed the sailing ships.

The Israeli navy killed at least 20 people aboard the ships, mostly Turkish nationals