The Hamas justice minister has agreed a deal with Turkey to sue the Israeli officers who took part in the Gaza flotilla raid.

London-based newspaper al-Sharq al-Awsat reported that Hamas’ Faraj al-Ghoul told his Turkish opposite number, Sadullah Ergin, in a telephone conversation, that Hamas had decided to pursue legally the naval officers through international courts.

Hamas said that Turkey had agreed to support Gaza residents, and to stand "stand-by-side" with them.

After his discussions with Hama, Mr Ergin said: "We are certain that if all the Arab and Muslim countries stand side-by-side against the injustice, it will be terminated swiftly.

“This is a responsibility we inherited from our ancestors and it compels us to remove the unjust siege from Gaza.
 
"Turkey is ready to co-operate to reveal Israel's outrageous crimes against humanity.”

He also said that he intended to pursue the recommendations of the UN Goldstone Report into Operation Cast Lead.

Mr al-Ghoul said: "Extensive legal measures must be taken in order to operate against the occupation's commanders in the international courts."

If the legal action continues, it will be filed at the International Criminal Court in the Hague.

The Israeli government is yet to make any comment on the proposed action.