Co-operation on UN flotilla inquiry

Israel has announced it will take part in a UN investigation into the deadly raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla last spring, in a departure from its traditional mistrust of the world body. The move allowed the UN's secretary-general Ban Ki-moon to formally announce the creation of an investigation panel into the incident in which nine Turkish activists, including one with US citizenship, died after being shot by Israeli commandos boarding their ship.

"I sincerely hope that this will contribute to the peace process as well as improvement of relationship between Israel and Turkey," said Mr Ban.