Acting Palestinian Authority Chief Mahmoud Abbas has called for an end to three-year Israeli-imposed blockade on the Gaza Strip.

"The Israeli blockade on the Palestinian crossings in Gaza should end once and for all," Abbas said in Washington on Thursday.

He also demanded an international investigation into Israel’s deadly attack on the Freedom Flotilla convoy carrying aid to the besieged people of Gaza.

At least eight Turkish nationals were killed during the assault, which left at least 20 activists dead and injured dozens more on May 31.

Abbas also noted that the investigation should not be carried out by Tel Aviv, saying "now the entire world stands with us."

"The investigation should not be left in the hands of Israel. Israel cannot investigate itself," AFP quoted Abbas as addressing a Washington think-tank.

"The investigation should be international, as proposed by the UN secretary general. Israel, first of all, attacked this convoy in international waters, which is unlawful, unacceptable," Abbas said.

"They attacked innocent people who had no weapons or aggressive motivations but were simply carrying humanitarian goods to Gaza."

The deadly attack on the aid convoy has provoked an international outcry.

(Press TV)