[TheRealVille]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/...4478.story

Reporting from Jerusalem Israel faced a diplomatic firestorm Monday over its deadly attack against a protest flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

Foreign leaders and protest organizers accused Israel of using excessive force in the raid in international waters, but Israel defended its actions, saying that soldiers were ambushed with knives and metal bars, as well as handguns wrested from the commandos.

Israel's military said nine protesters were killed in the late-night raid, which occurred about 40 miles off Israel's coast. Protest organizers put the death toll at 16. Dozens were wounded, including seven Israeli soldiers.