Türkiye has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 36 senior officials, citing alleged crimes in Gaza, claims Israel rejects.
An Istanbul court issued the warrants on Friday following a request from the city’s Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, which said it is investigating possible genocide and crimes against humanity under Turkish law.
The suspects named include Defence Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Chief of General Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, and Navy Commander David Saar Salama.
Turkish authorities allege a pattern of violations in Gaza since October 2023, including attacks on civilians and medical facilities. The prosecutor’s statement referenced incidents such as strikes on hospitals, including the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital in 2025, and the blockade of humanitarian aid.
The probe also includes a separate case involving the Global Sumud aid flotilla, which Türkiye says was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters. Turkish officials cited allegations of unlawful detention, property damage, and obstruction of humanitarian delivery.
Investigators said medical and psychological reports were taken from Turkish citizens affected by the flotilla interception after they were returned home.
The prosecutor's office stated the suspects are not currently in Türkiye, leading the court to issue the warrants in absentia.
Israel has repeatedly rejected accusations of genocide, arguing its military actions in Gaza are part of its self-defence strategy against Hamas.
Türkiye joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice last year, reflecting a deepening legal and diplomatic rift between Ankara and Tel Aviv.
A ceasefire has been in place in Gaza since 10 October under a U.S.-backed regional plan, though political tensions remain high.
Four people were killed in a gas explosion in Ahvaz near the Iraqi border, while a separate blast at the port of Bandar Abbas left one dead and severa...
Iran’s nuclear ambitions continue to shape regional tensions in the Middle East, particularly among key powers such as Israel and Türkiye, accordin...
Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis hosted a meeting with members of the majority staff of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Aze...
Protesters took to the streets in Minneapolis on Friday, 30 January, joined by student walkouts across the United States, demanding the withdrawal of ...
Melania, the new documentary about the U.S. First Lady Melania Trump that premiered Thursday, is drawing sharply contrasting reactions. Professional c...
Iran’s nuclear ambitions continue to shape regional tensions in the Middle East, particularly among key powers such as Israel and Türkiye, according to political analyst Dr Zaur Gasimov.
U.S., Israeli and European leaders exploited Iran’s economic problems and encouraged unrest during recent nationwide protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday (31 January).
The U.S. State Department has approved potential foreign military sales to Israel worth about $6.52 billion, the Pentagon said on Friday.
Explosions shook parts of southern Lebanon on Friday night as Israeli strikes rippled across the Zahrani district, with the blasts travelling toward the coastal city of Sidon.
Catherine O’Hara, the celebrated Canadian actress and comedy legend, has died at the age of 71, her publicist confirmed on Friday. She passed away at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness.
The Kremlin said on Friday (30 January) that Russian President had received a personal request from his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump. The request was to halt strikes on Kyiv until 1 February to create a favourable environment for peace negotiations.
The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday made public more than three million pages of documents on Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender, including investigative records referencing U.S. President Donald Trump, tech mogul Elon Musk and Britain’s former Duke of York.
Bangladesh and Pakistan on Thursday (29 January) resumed direct flight services after 14 years, marking a milestone in the revival of relations between the two Muslim-majority nations.
Vladimir Putin said Russia earned more than $15 billion from defence exports in 2025 and fulfilled all military-technical contracts despite what he described as growing pressure from Western countries.
Protesters took to the streets in Minneapolis on Friday, 30 January, joined by student walkouts across the United States, demanding the withdrawal of federal immigration agents after two U.S. citizens were fatally shot in the city.
The United Nations faces the risk of “imminent financial collapse” because of unpaid contributions, including substantial arrears from the United States, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned.
The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday made public more than three million pages of documents on Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender, including investigative records referencing U.S. President Donald Trump, tech mogul Elon Musk and Britain’s former Duke of York.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 30th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The U.S. State Department has approved potential foreign military sales to Israel worth about $6.52 billion, the Pentagon said on Friday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment