Israel says reached an understanding with Turkey

An Israeli official says that Israel and Turkey have reached "an understanding" that could lead to a rapprochement between the former allies whose relations broke down in 2010.

The breakdown followed an Israeli naval raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla that killed eight Turkish citizens and one Turkish-American. In the aftermath of the raid, Turkey became one of the strongest critics of Israeli actions in Gaza.

The Israeli official said Thursday the two sides agreed that Israel would compensate the families of the flotilla victims.

Turkey would waive legal claims against Israel over the raid and diplomatic ties would be upgraded.

The official says this is a step toward a final agreement.

He spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak to the media about the diplomatic talks.