Turkish group IHH says the Mavi Marmara ship did not get the necessary approval from Turkish port authorities to set sail.

-European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton started Thursday a Mideast trip that will bring her to Jordan, Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, for high level meetings with government leaders and international partners including the United Nations, Arab League, African Union, and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference.

Dr. Mahmoud Mahmoud, who works at Rebecca Sieff Hospital in Safed, is accused among two others of hurling rocks at IDF soldiers on the anniversary of the 1967 Six Day War.

The IHH cited tension along the Turkish-Syrian border as the reason it may not set sail to the Gaza Strip later this month; IDF conducts large naval drill in preparation.

The once-close relationship between the neighbors appears close to breaking point as thousands of Syrians flee to Turkey to escape Assad's violent crackdowns.

Report on Naksa, Nakba clashes on northern border says Syria didn't organize the demonstrations but Syrian armed forces were always nearby.

The defense minister says during press conference that Syria's embattled leader would remain very weakened if he were to remain in power.

Israel has welcomed the ''free and democratic'' elections in Turkey and said it wants to improve relations with Ankara.

European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek 'deeply shaken and moved’ by Yad Vashem visit

European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek said ''unilateral actions cannot bring lasting peace in the way that comprehensive negotiation would do,'' in a reference to Palestinian plans to unilaterally seek recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September.