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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