Israeli Attack on Gaza Flotilla

Israel's defense minister has expressed regret for the killing of pro-Palestinian activists in a clash with marine commandos. But he has blamed the violence on the organizers of a flotilla transporting aid to the blocked Gaza Strip.

At least 15 people were killed and dozens wounded when the soldiers caught in the convoy of a ship named Freedom Flotilla early Monday, the Israeli military said.

The six-ship convoy carrying aid to the Palestinians, and led by a Turkish ship with 700 people on board, sailed to Gaza from international waters off Cyprus on Sunday despite an Israeli-led blockade of the area.

Israeli military spokeswoman Avital Leibovich confirmed that the attack took place in international waters, said: "It happened in the waters outside Israeli territory, but we have a right to defend ourselves."

Recordings from the flotilla leader vessel Mavi Marmara showed armed Israeli soldiers boarding the ship and helicopters flying overhead.Al Jazeera's Jamal Elshayyal board Mavi Marmara, said Israeli soldiers had used live ammunition during the operation.

Israeli commandos stormed Monday six ships carrying hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists on an aid mission to the blocked Gaza Strip, killing at least 10 people and wounded dozens after encountering unexpected opposition forces on board the ship.