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Israel is under pressure to agree to an international inquiry to investigate its lethal seizure of a Turkish aid ship on Monday that was bound for the Gaza Strip, which is blockaded by Israel.
The deaths of nine people in the raid sparked an international outcry but Israel says its marines opened fire in self-defence after being set upon by pro-Palestinian activists wielding clubs and knives. The activists dispute the Israeli allegations.
Below are some questions and answers about the Israeli operation and international fallout.
Where was the ship heading, why was it stopped?
The Turkish-flagged cruise ship Mavi Marmara headed a six vessel flotilla taking 10,000 tonnes of aid to the Gaza Strip. The territory has been blockaded by Israel since Hamas, was elected in the territory in 2007.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the blockade is vital for Israeli security, as allowing ships through would enable Islamist Hamas to bring in large quantities of long-range Iranian rockets that could strike deep inside Israel.
