The Syrian and Lebanese leaders have warned that the Israeli navy’s attack on a Gaza-bound aid convoy might lead to war in the Middle East.

At least 20 people were killed and 50 others injured when the Israeli navy stormed the Gaza Freedom Flotilla early on Monday.

"Syria and Lebanon denounce in the strongest terms the heinous crime committed at dawn by Israel," Syria’s SANA news agency quoted an official statement after a meeting between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and visiting Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

"The crimes committed by Israel and its flagrant violations for the most basic human rights and for international laws threaten to pull the Middle East into a war whose consequences will not be limited to the region," the two leaders added.

The attack brought worldwide condemnation, with many countries summoning the Israeli ambassadors serving there.

Earlier on Monday, the Arab League, which represents both Syria and Lebanon, condemned the Israeli "crime taken against a humanitarian mission."

The Freedom Flotilla convoy was carrying 10,000 tons of supplies and hundreds of politicians, activists and journalists to break the three-year Israeli imposed blockade on the Gaza Strip.

Assad and Hariri called on the Arab League, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the UN Security Council to take "immediate action" and adopt "effective measures to put an end to Israeli crimes."

(Press TV)