A Turkish court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 36 other Israeli officials on charges of genocide and human rights violations in Gaza.
According to a report by TRT World, the Office of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor announced that arrest warrants were issued following extensive investigations into the systematic attacks on civilians in Gaza, which have been classified as acts of genocide and violations of international humanitarian law.
The probe was initiated after complaints were filed by victims and representatives of the Global Samoud Flotilla, a civilian humanitarian mission that had attempted to deliver aid to Gaza but was intercepted and assaulted by the Israeli navy before being deported.
The prosecutor’s statement said evidence from victims, eyewitnesses, and international law experts indicated that Israeli military and political leaders were directly responsible for attacks on hospitals, aid convoys, and civilian infrastructure.
Citing specific incidents, the statement mentioned the killing of six-year-old Hind Rajab by Israeli forces, the bombing of Al-Ahli Arab Hospital that killed more than 500 people, the attack on the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, and other atrocities.
The investigation also found that Israel’s blockade of Gaza deliberately obstructed humanitarian aid, constituting an additional war crime under international law.
Among those named in the indictment are Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi, and Navy Commander David Saar Salama, all accused of genocide and severe human rights violations.
Since these individuals are not currently present in Türkiye, the prosecutor’s office has requested international arrest warrants (Red Notices) to ensure their detention and extradition.
The investigation was conducted with the cooperation of the Istanbul Police Department and the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and remains ongoing.
