Thousands of pro-Palestinian activists have gathered at a port in Istanbul to welcome back a ship that was the scene of bloodshed during an Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in May.

The ship, Mavi Marmara, is returning to Istanbul today after undergoing repairs at a Mediterranean port.

The crowds are waving Palestinian and Turkish flags and chanting "Allah is great!" at Istanbul's Sarayburu port. Some activists have boarded boats to greet the ship as it arrives.

Nine activists from Turkey were killed in the raid. Israel insists its troops acted in self-defense after being attacked by activists on board.

Turkey is demanding an apology and compensation for relations with Israel to return to normal.

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