"The naval blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip -- in view of the security circumstances and Israel's efforts to comply with its humanitarian obligations -- was legal pursuant to the rules of international law. The actions carried out by Israel on May 31, 2010, to enforce the naval blockade had the regrettable consequences of the loss of human life and physical injuries," according to the concluding remarks of the committee, which included two international observers.

The Israeli navy's commando raid aboard the Mavi Marmara, one of a six-vessel aid flotilla bound for Gaza, ended with the death of nine Turkish activists and the wounding of several Navy SEALs.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an official investigation of the incident following international outcry and a diplomatic crisis with Turkey, which had seen relations between the two countries deteriorate to a record low.

Regarding Israel's naval blockade of the Strip, imposed after Hamas took over control of the Palestinian enclave three-and-a- half years ago, the report concludes that it is in compliance with the formal conditions of international law, and also complies with the humanitarian conditions, noting that the conflict between Israel and the Strip is an "international armed conflict" and that the naval blockade is primarily a "military-security" measure.

In regard to the raid, the committee members unanimously determined that the soldiers had acted in self-defense under life- threatening conditions.

"The IDF troops acted professionally and with judgment in face of the dangers they encountered onboard (the ship), confronting violence which they didn't foresee -- at no stage did they resort to excessive use of force," the report said.
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