Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apologised to Turkey for the deaths caused by a commando raid on an aid flotilla, which attempted to breach the blockade on Gaza, and agreed to compensate the relatives of the deceased.
"The prime minister made it clear that the tragic results regarding the Mavi Marmara were unintentional and that Israel expresses regret over injuries and loss of life," a statement by Netanyahu’s office said.
"In light of the Israeli investigation into the incident, which pointed out several operational errors, Prime Minister Netanyahu apologised to the Turkish people for any errors that could have led to loss of life and agreed to complete the agreement on compensation."
Turkey’s prime minister accepted the apology “in the name of the Turkish people”.
The deal between Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Benjamin Netanyahu also agreed to normalise diplomatic relations and the halting of procedures against Israel in turkish courts.
Barack Obama, who just completed a visit to Israel, was instrumental in brokering the deal.
"The United States deeply values our close partnerships with both Turkey and Israel, and we attach great importance to the restoration of positive relations between them in order to advance regional peace and security," the president said in a statement released by the White House.
