1. The use of force by Israeli defense forces during the raid was

3 1. The use of force by Israeli defense forces during the raid was unnecessary and disproportionate. This could have been avoided, but Israeli forces chose not to. 2. It would be appropriate for Israel to pay some sort of compensation to the families of those who were killed during the raid. 3. Israel should also issue a statement of regret over the incident. The report's recommendations fail to meet Turkey's demands. Even before the report was issued the Israeli government acknowledged that the use of force in the raid was excessive and unnecessary, albeit not publicly, so on that point the report paraphrases something already known. Payment to the families of the victims is also something Israel agreed to before the report. In respect to an official apology, central to Turkey's demands, the report adopts an evasive approach and instead of recommending an apology, puts emphasis upon a statement of regret. Turkey has said before that this will not be satisfactory. Therefore the report as a whole makes recommendations contrary to Turkey's demands and supports Israel's position. The statements in the report that justify Israel's blockade of Gaza especially please Israel. Sadly, Turkey's legal objections to the blockade no longer bear any political significance. As expected, following the release of the report, Turkey has toughened its stance with Israel. While Turkish foreign policy has not wavered despite the report's findings, the government has also stated that it does not recognize the report's validity. Shortly after the leak, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu announced a package of sanctions against Israel. Turkey first downgraded its diplomatic ties with Israel, and the minister also declared that Turkey would take appropriate measures for safe navigation on the high seas in the eastern Mediterranean. Military agreements between Turkey and Israel have been suspended. Turkey will not recognize the Gaza HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_024999