An Israeli panel on Sunday cleared the military and government of any wrongdoing during the deadly raid last May 31 of a Gaza-bound international flotilla, AP reported.

Nine pro-Palestinian activists, eight Turkish citizens and a Turkish American were killed as Israeli commandos boarded one of the ships in the flotilla, the Mavi Marmara.

The report said the armed defense of Israel's maritime blockade of the Hamas-ruled coastal strip was justified under international law.

Turkey condemned Sunday's report, saying it was "surprised, appalled and dismayed."

But Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu praised the inquiry. "The truth is that our soldiers were defending our country — and defending their very lives," Netanyahu said.