Israel in eye of storm
Israel's regional allies froze military ties as angry protests erupted over the storming yesterday of aid ships bound for Gaza.
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said he was "shocked" by the navy assault on the convoy.
Israel's closest ally Washington said it "deeply regrets the loss of life" and was "working to understand" what caused the "tragedy."
The Jewish state's chief regional partner Turkey responded with fury, scrapping plans for joint war games with Israel and recalling its ambassador, as it warned the "flagrant breach of international law" would have "irreparable consequences" for bilateral ties.
In Europe, condemnation was equally swift, with the European Union foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton demanding Israel mount a "full inquiry."
Spain -- the current European Union president -- France, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Greece and Cyprus summoned Israel's respective ambassadors, with Madrid slamming the operation as "unacceptable".
France's President Nicolas Sarkozy accused Israel of a "disproportionate use of force."
Germany's Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said he was "deeply concerned" about the deaths, while Italy's Foreign Minister Franco Frattini "deplored" the loss of civilian life.
Russia also condemned a "crude violation" of international law.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Israel must "act with restraint".
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