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.
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The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet say they carried out targeted strikes on Hamas operatives and infrastructure in the Gaza Strip on Thursday (8 January) after detecting a failed rocket launch from the Gaza City area.
Iran does not seek war with Israel or the United States but is prepared to respond if attacked, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday (8 January ) as economic protests sweep the country and Tehran's crackdown reportedly intensifies.
Iran’s Commander-in-Chief of Army, Major General Amir Hatami has warned against hostile rhetoric from U.S. and Israeli officials. “Iran considers the intensification of the enemies' rhetoric against the Iranian nation as a threat and will not leave its continuation unanswered,” Hatami said.
Türkiye says it's prepared a self-sustaining international stabilisation force for Gaza and has already begun training, Defence Minister Yaşar Güler said, reiterating Ankara’s readiness to deploy troops to support humanitarian efforts and help end the fighting.
U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out ordering a mission to capture Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he is confident the war in Ukraine can be brought to an end.
New York City parents could soon have access to free childcare for two-year-old children following a joint announcement made by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday (8 January).
Türkiye has stepped back from mediating between Pakistan and Afghanistan after repeated efforts failed to narrow deep differences between Islamabad and Kabul.
Tens of thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets in Tehran and across at least 28 cities in a wave of anti-government demonstrations, now entering their twelfth day.
Türkiye is reportedly in discussions to join the defence alliance between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, a strategic move that could reshape security dynamics in the Middle East and South Asia.
Slovakia will sign an agreement on nuclear power cooperation with the United States next week, announced Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Saturday, as the country progresses towards a deal to construct a new nuclear power unit with U.S. assistance.
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