It is not just Jews who are beginning to despair at Israel's actions.

Tony Blair said he was shocked and urged a full inquiry, and, on the eve of talks between president Barack Obama and prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Washington described the loss of life as a "tragedy".

Attempts to justify their actions on the grounds that Israeli commandos were attacked with "with live fire and light weaponry including knives and clubs" hardly seem credible in the light of footage which shows Israeli soldiers shooting from helicopters while people in the boats huddled together on the deck.

With so many international legislators and journalists on board the nine boats, the truth will come out and it is unlikely that it will support the Israeli version of events.

STEFAN SIMANOWITZ

Willow Rd

London