Iceland condemns Israeli raid on Gaza convoy

Iceland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Össur Skarphéðinsson, condemns the Israeli raid on a ship convoy enroute to Gaza. Several Nordic citizens, MPs and representatives of peace- organisations were onboard. According to news media up to 19 people were killed in the raid.

The Foreign Minister joines the European Union, the United Nations and others in demanding an thorough investigation into the raid. The Minister says Israel's disproportionate use of power can no longer be accepted.

"Gaza is in fact a giant prison where international law is being violated. This has to stop”, he said. Icelandic authorities demand that Israel ceases its siege of Gaza immediately, describing it as a collective punishment on the Gaza population.

In a letter to the Israeli Foreign Minister, Minister Skarphedinsson strongly condemns Israel's actions. Icelandic authorities have also requested a meeting with Israel's Ambassador to Iceland, residing in Oslo. The Minister welcomes that the UN Security Council has taken the matter up.