EU condemns Israeli aid raid, calls for 'impartial' inquiry

(BRUSSELS) - Ambassadors from the 27 EU countries condemned Israel's use of violence against a flotilla of ships carrying aid to Gaza on Monday and demanded an impartial inquiry.

"The EU condemns the use of violence that has produced a high number of victims among the members of the flottilla and demands an immediate, full and impartial inquiry into the events and the circumstances surrounding it," the ambassadors said in a statement.

The demand for an "impartial inquiry" hardens the European position, as EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton had earlier called for "an inquiry by Israel into the circumstances."

The ambassadors said the "EU calls upon relevant actors to prevent escalation of tensions and underlines the need to continue the proximity talks with a view to resume peace negociations," refering to the recent resumption of indirect talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

Saying that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains a great concern, the ambassdors said the "EU does not accept the continued policy of closure, it is unacceptable and politically counter-productive, we need to urgently achieve a durable solution to the situation in Gaza."

The ambassadors also called on Israel to provide information and allow consular access to their citizens.