The political divide disappeared as both the ruling government and opposition condemned the Israeli strike against a ‘Freedom Flotilla’ in support of Gaza, which killed at least 16 people earlier today.

NONE Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said the international community must take stern action against the “cruelty” of Israeli forces in its early morning attack ( right ) on Turkish-registered ship Mavi Marmara.

“It is almost certain that Israel will use the excuse of security to defend their cruel action, which is unacceptable.

"How is it that those in the convoy can be considered as threats to Israel’s security, when their only aim is to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza’s residents who have long suffered under Israel’s economic sanctions?

“What is more shocking is that this cold-blooded killing was done in international waters, some 65km from Gaza’s coastline, where Israeli forces have no jurisdiction to attack the convoy of ships,” he said in a statement.

NONE PKR de-facto leader Anwar Ibrahim ( left ) slammed Israel, saying they have gone too far with the killings and urged the international community and Malaysian government to condemn the attack and recognise the sovereignty of Palestine.

“The international community should take action to stop this. We demand that the UN work harder and not allow these killings to continue,” he said when met outside the Duta court after his second sodomy trial was adjourned earlier today.

DAP national publicity secretary Tony Pua decried the attack as an attempt to scuttle Palestinian efforts to achieve independent self-rule, free of Israeli occupation.

‘US, stop military aid’

“The total and utter disregard for human lives especially those with only peaceful intent and bearing aid for the needy is not only abhorrent, but also evil to the very core.

NONE “The DAP calls on the Israeli government to ensure an immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of the crossing for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza.

“We would also call upon those who ordered the unprovoked military attack on the peace mission to be charged in the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity,” he said.

Both Khairy and Pua also called on the US president Barrack Obama’s administration to do right by those killed and take concrete action against Israel for its aggression. Pua also urged the United States government to stop its US$3 billion annual military aid to Israel.