International prosecutors have decided not to lay charges over a deadly Israeli raid on a ship carrying aid to Gaza in 2010.

Nine Turkish activists were killed in the storming of the vessel the Mavi Marmara.

The International Criminal Court says it believes war crimes may have been committed, but the case is not grave enough for it to bring charges.

Fatou Bensouda, the chief prosecutor at the ICC, said:
“I have determined that there is a reasonable basis to believe that war crimes under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court were committed on one of the vessels, the Mavi Marmara, when Israeli Defence Forces intercepted the (Gaza Freedom) flotilla’ on 31 May 2010.”

Those who laid the complaint to the ICC say they will not give up, including the group that organised the relief flotilla that headed to Gaza.

Bulent Yildirm, President of the humanitarian relief foundation IHH said: “The International Criminal Court does have authority. God willing, an appeal will be made.”

The raid damaged relations between Israel and Turkey, who had been strong allies.

As well as the death of the Turkish activists, 10 Israeli soldiers and several pro-Palestinian activists were injured.