Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday defended his military’s deadly raid on an aid flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip, saying the international community condemning his country is rushing to judgment about the self-defense measures Israeli naval forces were forced to undertake.

“This wasn’t a love boat. This was a hate boat,” Netanyahu said. “I regret to say for many in the international community, no evidence is needed. Israel is guilty until proven guilty.”

Netanyahu, responding to the outrage, said Wednesday that Israeli forces were not met by any “serious violence” on the other five ships and so no serious injuries occurred. But he said on the Turkish-flagged ship where the fighting broke out, “Something very different happened.”

“They were met with a vicious mob. They were stabbed. They were clubbed. They were fired upon,” Netanyahu said. “The attackers had prepared their violent action in advance. … These weren’t pacifists. They weren’t peace activists. These were violent supporters of terrorism.”

The prime minister said the Israeli soldiers had to act in self defense — he said that he talked to one who had been shot in the stomach and knee.

Netanyahu, citing the activists’ support for Hamas, said Israel will continue to assert its right to inspect cargo headed for the Gaza Strip out of concern that weapons could be smuggled in for groups like Hamas.

“Israel regrets the loss of life but we will never apologize for defending ourselves,” he said.

Turkey, meanwhile, has led the charge against Israel, with Prime Minister Recep Tayyid Erdogan calling the clash a “bloody massacre” and describing Israel’s actions as “murder.” More aid ships could arrive in the region later in the week.

(Source: Fox News)