Turkey is ready to take Israel to the International Court of Justice over the seizure of the Freedom Flotilla, a Turkish official said on Tuesday.
The international community continues to criticize Israel's attack on Monday on a Gaza-bound aid convoy in neutral waters that left at least nine dead, mostly Turkish nationals.
"We are ready to take all necessary steps, including taking the case to international courts," spokesman for Turkey's ruling Party of Justice and Development Huseyin Celik said. "We view the atrocities perpetrated by Israel as acts of tyranny and despotism."
Turkey said earlier on Tuesday Israel's attack would remain "a black spot" in the history of mankind and must entail harsh consequences.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said "Israel must face punishment from the international community" and that Turkey would not let this "blatant violation of international law" go unpunished.
Turkey has already recalled its ambassador from Israel over the attack and sent three evacuation planes to Israel to bring back 20 of its injured citizens.
ANKARA, June 1 (RIA Novosti)
