Members of the UN Security Council have condemned Israel ahead of an emergency session over Israel's deadly raid on a flotilla of ships carrying aid to Gaza.

At least nine pro-Palestinian activists, some Turkish, were killed when Israeli commandos stormed the ships in international waters.

Turkey's foreign minister called Israel's actions "murder by a state".
and Turkey led a chorus of criticism of Israel at the United Nations in New York.

For Israel, there are likely to be severe diplomatic consequences. Pressure to end the Gaza blockade will increase - from Israel's allies, as well as its enemies.

One question is how strongly the US tries to water down any criticism. Their own relations with Israel have been in crisis. The talks they are sponsoring between Israel and the Palestinians will probably continue, but under an even darker cloud.
"In simplest terms this is tantamount to banditry and piracy. It is murder conducted by a state," Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said.

"A nation state which follows this path has lost its legitimacy as a respectful member of the international community," he added.