Israel unapologetic about flotilla attack

Zionist Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Tel Aviv will not apologize for an attack on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla which killed nine Turkish activists last year.

Netanyahu expressed regret for “any loss of life,” but added that Israelis “do not have to apologize,” Ynet reported on Sunday.

The Israeli premier claimed that Israel “has the full and basic right to defend itself.”

The Israeli military attacked the Freedom Flotilla in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea on May 31, 2010, killing nine Turkish nationals aboard the Turkish-flagged MV Mavi Marmara and injuring about 50 other activists that were part of the team on the six-ship convoy.

On Friday, Turkey expelled Israel’s ambassador and suspended all military agreements with Tel Aviv over its refusal to apologize for the deadly attack.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said in a press conference on Friday that it was about time for Israel “to face the consequences of its illegitimate actions since it sees itself above international law and ignores human conscience.”

The development comes after a recent UN report by former New Zealand Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer concluded that Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza was a “legitimate security measure” while blaming Israeli troops for using excessive force after boarding the aid ship.

“Forensic evidence showing that most of the deceased were shot multiple times, including in the back, or at close range,” the long awaited UN report also known as the Palmer report noted.

The Turkish Embassy in Washington said in a statement on Friday that Turkey “will take legal actions against the Israeli soldiers and all other officials responsible for the crimes committed and pursue the matter resolutely.”