Turkey flotilla report: IDF shot activists at close range
Ankara releases its findings on 'Mavi Marmara' raid; accuses Israel of blatantly violating international laws.
By ASSOCIATED PRESSmavi marmara passengers 311(photo credit: IDF Spokesperson)
ANKARA, Turkey— A Turkish government inquiry into Israel's raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla that killed eight Turks and a Turkish-American said Israeli soldiers shot five victims from close range.The report released Friday says two of the victims were killed even before soldiers boarded the Mavi Marmara in May. The report states that Israel blatantly violated international laws.RELATED:Turkel: Flotilla raid in accordance with int'l lawUS: Turkel report fine, but UN flotilla panel betterIsraeli commandos raided the flotilla as it sought to break Israel's Gaza blockade. Israel says the commandos were defending themselves.An Israeli inquiry last month cleared its military and government of any wrongdoing, which sparked Turkish protests.The incident further aggravated relations between the former allies, already tense over Turkish criticism of Israel's treatment of Palestinians.
