Turkey on Monday strongly condemned Israeli forces' attack on an international flotilla carrying aid to besieged Gaza, warning the move could damage the two countries' bilateral relations.

"Israel once again showed that it completely ignores human life and peaceful initiatives by targeting innocent civilians. We harshly condemn such an inhuman treatment by Israel," Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The ministry accused the attack of violating the international law, warning the move "may lead to irredeemable consequences in our bilateral relations."

"Whatever Israel's reasons are, it is impossible to accept such an action against civilians carrying out peaceful activities. Israel will have to put up with consequences of this violation of the international law," it said.

The ministry has summoned Israeli ambassador in Turkey for an urgent explanation of the issue and offered its condolences to those who lost their beloved ones in the attack, according to the statement.

Israeli forces on Monday attacked the international convoy of aid ships when trying to stop the flotilla from reaching Gaza, killing up to 16 and wounding more than 30 others, Israeli media reported.

Israel's private Channel 10 television said Israeli forces opened fire after being attacked by a number of passengers and the Isreali Army Radio said more than 30 others were injured.