Turkey Issues Arrest Warrants For Netanyahu, Ben Gvir, IDF Chief Over ‘G£nocide

Turkey Issues Arrest Warrants For Netanyahu, Ben Gvir, IDF Chief Over ‘Genocide

Turkey Issues Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu, 36 Israeli Officials Over Gaza War

Turkey has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 36 other Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and Naval Forces Commander David Saar Salama, citing alleged war crimes in Gaza.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office stated the charges include genocide, targeting officials for military operations that allegedly struck hospitals, killed aid workers, and obstructed humanitarian relief. Incidents cited include the October 17, 2023 strike on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital and the April 1, 2024 killing of World Central Kitchen aid workers.

Turkish prosecutors allege that Israeli military actions deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure, hindered aid delivery, and denied medical access. The investigation also references the Sumud Flotilla, a small aid mission intercepted by the IDF.

The move escalates tensions between Turkey and Israel, following months of criticism by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has called Israel a “terror state” and described Netanyahu’s government as a threat to Middle East security.

Despite these tensions, Turkey has previously helped broker ceasefire agreements in Gaza as part of US-led peace efforts.