Footage taken from the Mavi Marmara flotilla to Gaza in 2010 shows the militants preparing to attack IDF soldiers. Photo: IDF.

JNS.org – Turkish media outlets are reporting that Turkey and Israel are getting ready to sign a compensation agreement for the families of the Turkish citizens killed on board the Mavi Marmara Gaza flotilla in 2010. The signing of the agreement would restore diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc said the deal is expected to be signed after the country’s local elections next week, and would then go to parliament for approval. Subsequently, ambassadors from both nations would be reassigned to each country, theHurriyet daily newspaper reported.

Last year, Israel apologized to Turkey for the deaths on the Gaza flotilla and agreed to pay compensation under the right terms. In May 2010, eight Turkish nationals and one Turkish American were killed in clashes after militants attacked Israeli soldiers who had boarded the flotilla.