Israel pays Turkey $20m compensation over flotilla raid in 2010

The Israeli government on Friday paid 20 million U.S. dollars in compensation to Turkey over the Mavi Marmara flotilla raid in 2010, private broadcaster NTV reported.

The raid led to the disruption of diplomatic ties between the two countries before a reconciliation deal was reached earlier this year.

The amount was paid to the bank account of the Turkish Justice Ministry, according to the report.

Meanwhile, Ankara and Tel Aviv would announce the appointment of ambassadors in "one week or 10 days."

Ties between Ankara and Tel Aviv have been soured since 2010 when Israeli troops stormed a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, Mavi Marmara, in international waters, 10 Turkish nationals were killed.

Israel formally apologized in 2013 for what it called "operational mistakes."

After months of talks, the normalization deal was signed between the two countries in June 2016 to end the six-year rift.

Under the deal, Israel will pay 20 million dollars in compensation for the families of victims.

In addition to the compensation, Israel agreed on Turkey's humanitarian presence in the occupied Gaza Strip. 

Source : XINHUA