Obama tells Turkish leader that US supports impartial investigation into Israeli raid

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Obama expresses regret over loss of lives

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has expressed condolences to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the loss of life and injuries after Israel’s raid on a flotilla trying to break the blockade of Gaza.

Turkey, a U.S. ally and unofficial sponsor of the flotilla, has called the raid a “bloody massacre” and demanded that Washington condemn it. The U.S. also regards Israel as a trusted partner whose security is important to Washington.

The White House says Obama affirmed support for a credible, impartial, and transparent investigation of the facts. The statement said Obama also affirmed the importance of finding better ways to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza without undermining Israel’s security.