Egypt set to open border as Turkey leads raid criticism
The raid provoked ferocious international condemnation of Israel, raised questions at home, and appeared likely to increase pressure to end the blockade that has deepened the poverty of the 1.5 million Palestinians in the strip.
Turkey, which unofficially supported the flotilla, has led the criticism, calling the Israeli raid a “bloody massacre” and demanding that Washington condemn the raid. The White House has reacted cautiously, calling for disclosure of all the facts. There were signs, however, that the long-term strategic partnership between Israel and its most important Muslim ally would endure. Turkey cancelled three joint land and sea exercises, but appeared to be otherwise maintaining military ties including the planned delivery of $183 million (€150m) in Israeli drones this summer.
