Obama calls for clarification of ‘facts’ after Gaza flotilla clashes

June 1st, 2010 - 5:45 am ICT by BNO News  

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) — U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday told Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu that “he deeply regretted the loss of life” and called for clarification of the “facts” after the deadly clashes between the Israeli Navy and pro-Palestinian activists.

“The president expressed deep regret at the loss of life in today’s incident, and concern for the wounded,” the White House said in a statement, describing Obama’s phone call with PM Netanyahu.

“The president also expressed the importance of learning all the facts and circumstances around this morning’s tragic events as soon as possible,” the White House added.

On early Monday, at least nine people were killed and scores of others were left injured after Israeli ships clashed with six ships carrying pro-Palestinian activists and what organizers say is aid for Gaza.

Israel said the ships raised suspicion because they refused to be inspected for weapons. Israel also said they had offered alternatives, such as transferring the supplies via ground borders, but organizers refused.

The ships were carrying pro-Palestinian activists, including a Nobel laureate and a Holocaust survivor. A second ‘wave’ of two ships was expected on Monday afternoon, but it was not immediately clear if they would still proceed as scheduled after Monday’s incident.

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