'IHH activists were crucial factor leading to deterioration'

The Turkel Commission members determined that the IHH activists, who were onboard the Mavi Marmara making its way to the Gaza Strip, were violent towards IDF soldiers and were 'the crucial factor leading to the deterioration of the situation.' Evidence presented to the commission stated that the activists were armed with iron rods, knifes, hatchets, bats and metal-ware.

According to the commission members, there were 100 violent activists onboard the ship, aside from 500 human rights activists, who listened to the captain's orders and got off the ship upon Israel's call. (Attila Somfalvi and Aviad Glickman)