Turks Accuse Israel of War Crimes at Int'l Court

Turkish lawyers representing pro-Palestinian activists have complained to the International Criminal Court that Israeli troops committed war crimes when they raided a boat trying to break Israel's blockade of Gaza in May.

Nine Turkish citizens, including a 19-year-old with dual U.S.-Turkish nationality, were killed during the melee after Israeli troops rappelled from helicopters onto the deck of the Mavi Marmara.

Israel said its troops fired live ammunition only when their lives were threatened.

Attorney Ugur Sevgili said Thursday victims want Israel investigated for torture, inhuman treatment and violations of the Geneva war crimes convention.

The international court receives hundreds of applications every year but opens investigations in few cases.