Turkish Court Seeks Interpol Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu Over Gaza Actions

An Istanbul court has initiated proceedings to seek an Interpol arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, holding him responsible for alleged crimes connected to Israel's military operations in Gaza. This marks an escalation in judicial actions against Israeli leadership initiated by Turkey.

The panel of judges at Istanbul's 11th Criminal Court decided to add Netanyahu and other Israeli officials to the Interpol wanted list. This decision follows an arrest warrant issued by the Istanbul Prosecutor's Office in November 2025, which also targeted Netanyahu and other leaders over allegations of genocide in Gaza.

The new investigation was launched after Israeli authorities detained participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla in October 2025. This humanitarian mission attempted to deliver aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, who are facing severe shortages of essential supplies. Doctors and psychologists who examined the detained activists presented testimony and evidence of alleged violations of international humanitarian law to the court.

Previously, Turkey's Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli navy's interception of the flotilla, labeling it an act of piracy and a significant breach of international law. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has consistently criticized Netanyahu's conduct in Gaza and has affirmed Ankara's support for nations affected by what he describes as Israeli aggression.