Türkiye has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several senior Israeli officials on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity linked to Israel’s war on Gaza.
According to a statement released on Friday by the Istanbul prosecutor’s office, the warrants target 37 Israeli officials, including Defence Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Army Chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir.
The full list of suspects was not made public.
Charges of systematic atrocities in Gaza
Turkish authorities accuse Israeli leadership of systematically perpetrating atrocities in Gaza since the conflict erupted in October 2023.
The statement cited several incidents as evidence, including the October 17, 2023, attack on the al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, which killed around 500 people, and the February 29, 2024, destruction of medical equipment by Israeli soldiers.
The prosecutor’s office added that Gaza had been placed under a total blockade, denying victims humanitarian aid and essential supplies, thereby constituting crimes against humanity under international law.
Israel dismisses Türkiye’s move as a ‘PR stunt’
Israel strongly rejected the decision.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denounced it on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“Israel firmly rejects, with contempt, the latest PR stunt by the tyrant [President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan.”
Israeli officials have repeatedly accused Türkiye of using political gestures to bolster its regional influence, especially amid rising global criticism over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
In contrast, the Palestinian group Hamas praised the Turkish move, calling it a “commendable measure” that reflects the values of justice and humanity upheld by the Turkish government and people.
The group said the warrants reaffirm Türkiye’s solidarity with Palestinians and its commitment to holding Israeli officials accountable for war crimes.
Links to international legal efforts
This announcement comes nearly a year after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes.
Türkiye also joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2024, further intensifying its diplomatic campaign against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
According to latest estimates, Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 68,875 Palestinians and wounded 170,679 since October 2023.
The enclave remains under heavy bombardment and blockade, with humanitarian agencies warning of worsening conditions, including famine and disease outbreaks.
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