The United States has expressed regret at Israel's attack on an aid flotilla that killed 10 pro-Palestinian activists on Monday. In a statement, the White House said it is trying to "understand the circumstances" surrounding the incident.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was shocked by the violence against the pro-Palestinian aid mission, and demanded that Israel conduct a full investigation. The U.N. Security Council has called an emergency meeting to discuss the incident.
The European Union also called for an inquiry, with EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton demanding "an immediate" and "unconditional" opening of crossings into Gaza. Ambassadors from EU member nations are to meet Monday in Brussels to discuss the Israeli action.
Arab League chief Amr Mussa denounced the raid, labeling it a "crime" and calling for an emergency meeting of the 22-member group. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a longtime critic of Israel, described the operation as "inhuman."
Hundreds of people took to the streets in Turkey and Jordan to denounce Israel, while Spain, Greece and several other European countries called home their ambassadors to Israel.