The use of deadly force by Israeli troops on passengers of a Turkish aid flotilla heading to Gaza was disproportionate and likely to have been a "bungled" operation, says Labour leader Phil Goff.
At least 10 pro-Palestinian activists were killed when Israeli marines stormed the ship yesterday, with many others including a New Zealand woman working for a British non-government organisation understood to have been taken into custody.
The incident was the result of a flotilla of aid vessels attempting to break an Israeli blockade on the Gaza strip, news agencies reported.
It has triggered a diplomatic crisis and an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully said today the New Zealand woman caught up in the violence was believed to be safe and well but in Israeli custody.
"We are pursuing all the usual lines of consular activity to make contact with her," he said.
Mr McCully met today with Israeli ambassador Shemi Tzur and was expected to outline this afternoon what the conversation entailed.
Labour leader Phil Goff said the incident involved a disproportionate use of force and the ambassador needed to be asked to account for his Government's actions.
"I think the blockade is having unacceptable effects and I think the use of force against the flotilla was disproportionate, leading to the loss of at least 10 lives. That is not acceptable, I expect the New Zealand Government should protest that to the Israeli Government," Mr Goff said.
"You can not have collective punishment of women and children by a blockade that denies people basic humanitarian needs..."
He said time would tell whether New Zealand's initial reaction to the incident was strong enough, but an investigation was needed and likely to show action taken by the Israeli soldiers was a "bungle".
Mr McCully said New Zealand representatives were monitoring UN talks and New Zealand's position was in line with "mainstream international opinion" so far.
Green MP Keith Locke said now was no time to "pussy foot around" and send indirect messages to Israel over what was a "murderous assault in international waters".
