If Israel does not apologize for attacking the "Flotilla of Freedom," then Ankara will break off diplomatic ties with the country, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu was quoted as saying by the Turkish Hurriyet newspaper. Nine Turkish citizens died in the incident.
"Either Israel apologizes and agrees to an international investigation, or we will break off diplomatic relations," Davutoglu said.
Tensions between Turkey and Israel have escalated following Israeli military attacks on the "Freedom of Flotilla" May 31. After the incident, Turkey recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv, and closed a military zone for Israeli fighters.
"Turkey's airspace is closed to Israeli military aircrafts," Davutoglu said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to apologize, saying the Israeli soldiers defended themselves against pro-Palestinian activists.