International Criminal Court launches inquiry into Israeli raid on Gaza flotilla
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has launched a preliminary inquiry into an Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla which left nine Turkish activists dead.
ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said it would establish whether there were grounds for a full investigation.
The move follows a request from the Comoros islands, in which one of the vessels was registered.
The boats were trying to transport aid supplies to Gaza in May 2010.
The Free Gaza Flotilla, which had more than 600 pro-Palestinian activists aboard several ships, was trying to break Israel's naval blockade.
The activists were killed when Israeli commandos boarded the lead flotilla vessel, Mavi Marmara.
"My office will be conducting a preliminary examination in order to establish whether the criteria for opening an investigation are met," Ms Bensouda said in a statement on Tuesday