An Israeli official says a long-awaited UN report on bloodshed aboard a Gaza-bound protest flotilla last year shows Israel's actions did not violate international law, AP reported.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the report has not been released. Publication is expected later Friday, September 2. He said Israel hopes Turkey and Israel can now "return to the cooperation that was a cornerstone of regional stability."

Turkey's Foreign Minister said Thursday, if Israel did not apologize for the deaths of nine Turkish activists aboard the flotilla on May 31 last year, his country would downgrade ties with Israel.

Israel says it will not apologize.