Israel's deadly interception of ships trying to break the blockade of Gaza last month has increased the likelihood of war in the Middle East, according to Syria's president.

Nine pro-Palestinian Turkish activists died when Israeli forces boarded the flotilla - Israel says its troops were acting in self-defence.

Speaking to our Middle East Editor, Jeremy Bowen, the Syrian leader Bashar Assad says that action has made it much harder for there to be any constructive dialogue with his Israeli neighbour.