Turkey’s move came before the anticipated publication Friday of a UN report on violence aboard a Gaza-bound protest flotilla. The fatalities included eight Turkish nationals and one Turkish-American activist.

The report, obtained by The New York Times and posted on its website, said Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza is a “legitimate security measure.” But it also said Israel’s use of force against the flotilla was “excessive and unreasonable,” according to the newspaper.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said the government was downgrading diplomatic ties with Israel to the level of second secretary and that the ambassador and other high-level diplomats would leave the capital Ankara by Wednesday.

He said all military agreements signed between the former allies were also being suspended. Other sanctions against its former ally would include possible naval restrictions in the eastern Mediterranean as well as Turkish state backing for flotilla victims families’ court actions against Israel, Davutoglu said.

“The time has come for Israel to pay for its stance that sees it above international laws and disregards human conscience,” Davutoglu said. “The first and foremost result is that Israel is going to be devoid of Turkey’s friendship.” “As long as the Israeli government does not take the necessary steps, there will be no turning back,” the minister said.

Asked to comment on the fact that the UN report does not recommend an Israeli apology, Turkish President Abdullah Gul said: “To be frank, the report is null and void for us.” Davutoglu said the report “displayed the violence committed by the Israeli soldiers,” but also criticized it for describing Israel’s naval blockade as a legitimate security measure and in line with international law.

“Turkey does not recognize the Israel’s embargo on Gaza,” Davutoglu said, adding that Turkey would take steps to have the International Court of Justice and the United Nations to look into its legality.

Turkey announced the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador and suspension of military cooperation hours before the report was to be published, the most significant downgrading in ties between the two countries since the bloody flotilla attack last year.

The Turkish decision increases Israel’s isolation at a sensitive time.

In Gaza, Hamas applauded the Turkish move.

“This is a natural response to the Israeli crime against the freedom flotilla” and to the continuation of the naval blockade, spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said.

Nine pro-Palestinian activists were killed aboard the Turkish-flagged ship Mavi Marmara on May 31, 2010, after passengers resisted a takeover by Israeli naval commandos. The flotilla was en route to Gaza in an attempt to bring international attention to Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian territory. Each side blamed the other, claiming self-defense.

After the violence triggered an international outcry, Israel eased restrictions on goods moving into Gaza overland but left the naval blockade in place.