Turkey orders Netanyahu, 36 Israelis arrested for war crimes
Turkey accuses Netanyahu and Israeli officials of genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza, citing attacks on the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Istanbul: In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, Turkey’s Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Istanbul has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 36 senior Israeli officials, accusing them of war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity committed during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The warrants, formally approved by the Istanbul Criminal Court on Friday, November 7, follow a months-long investigation into Israel’s operations in Gaza since the outbreak of the conflict on October 7, 2023. Turkish authorities say their findings point to systematic violations of international law, including the targeting of civilians, hospitals, and humanitarian convoys.
According to court documents, the investigation focused on what prosecutors described as the “indiscriminate use of force against the civilian population”, which they claim resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, including women, children, and medical workers. The probe also cited the destruction of vital infrastructure—such as hospitals, schools, and water systems—as evidence of deliberate targeting.
Among the specific incidents mentioned was the October 17, 2023 airstrike on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, which killed more than 500 people. Turkish investigators said the strike demonstrated “clear intent to target a civilian medical facility,” an act they allege constitutes a violation of the Geneva Conventions. Another key episode under scrutiny was the March 21, 2025 attack on the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, one of the few remaining functional medical centers in southern Gaza. The hospital, which was supported by Turkey, was reportedly struck during ongoing evacuation efforts, killing several staff members and patients.
The inquiry also extended beyond Gaza’s borders. Turkish prosecutors examined the Global Sumud Flotilla incident, a humanitarian convoy that set sail earlier this year carrying activists, doctors, and aid workers bound for Gaza. The flotilla was intercepted by Israeli naval forces in international waters, and the passengers were allegedly detained and mistreated before being released.
Turkish authorities argue that Israel’s interception of the convoy violated international maritime law, specifically provisions under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The case drew comparisons to the 2010 Mavi Marmara raid, another deadly flotilla confrontation that severely strained Turkish-Israeli relations.
Victims and activists who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla were repatriated to Turkey between October 4 and 10, 2025. Upon their return, they underwent medical and psychological examinations at the Istanbul Forensic Medicine Institution, which documented injuries and trauma allegedly resulting from Israeli detention. Their testimonies were submitted as part of the case file, along with evidence collected by the Istanbul Bar Association No. 2 and human rights organizations monitoring the conflict.
Based on the findings, prosecutors concluded that there was “sufficient cause” to seek the arrest of Netanyahu and 36 others, including high-ranking officials from Israel’s defense, intelligence, and foreign affairs ministries.
In a statement, the prosecutor’s office said, “The actions of the Israeli military and political leadership constitute grave breaches of international humanitarian law. The deliberate targeting of civilians and medical facilities amounts to crimes against humanity and genocide as defined by the Rome Statute.”
The National Intelligence Organisation (MİT) and the Istanbul Police Department have been instructed to work with international partners to locate and identify the named suspects. While it is unlikely that Israeli officials will be extradited to Turkey, the move represents a symbolic but powerful challenge to Israel’s conduct in Gaza and a significant diplomatic statement by Ankara.
The Israeli government has rejected the accusations, calling them “politically motivated” and accusing Turkey of hypocrisy. A spokesperson for Israel’s Foreign Ministry said that “the Turkish judiciary has no jurisdiction over the sovereign actions of the State of Israel,” adding that the move undermines regional stability at a time when diplomatic efforts are needed most.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s Gaza operations, repeatedly describing them as “state terrorism.” His administration has positioned itself as a defender of Palestinian rights, providing humanitarian aid to Gaza and calling for international accountability.
While the likelihood of actual arrests remains slim, analysts say the decision reflects Turkey’s growing assertiveness on the global stage. It also highlights the widening divide between countries calling for accountability over Gaza and those standing by Israel.
For many in Turkey and across the Muslim world, the warrants represent not just a legal act but a symbolic pursuit of justice—a message that even world leaders cannot remain above the law when accused of atrocities.