Turkey issues genocide arrest warrant against Netanyahu

Turkey has issued arrest warrants for genocide against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior officials in his government over the war on Gaza.

The Istanbul chief public prosecutor's office on Friday announced arrest orders for 37 senior Israeli officials, including Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir.

The officials are accused of committing genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza, as well as ordering attacks on the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid to the blockaded enclave.

Israel condemned the move, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar saying it "firmly rejects, with contempt" the charges, and calling them "the latest PR stunt by [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan".

The Turkish prosecutor's statement said Israel's actions in Gaza since October 2023 have included systematic attacks on civilians, hospitals and critical infrastructure. 

'We hate winter': Palestinians face the rain without shelters as Israel blocks tents

Read More »

It cited incidents including the bombing of al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, the destruction of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, and the killing of six-year-old Hind Rajab, who was hit by Israeli fire while trapped in a car with her family.

The investigation also covers Israel's interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters. Activists who were on board at the time of the raid have provided testimony and forensic evidence that contributed to the case.

The prosecutor's office said the proceedings are continuing "with precision and in all aspects".

Turkey last year joined South Africa's case accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice.

Israel's former foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman wrote on X that the arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials "clearly explain why Turkey should not be present in the Gaza Strip - directly or indirectly".

Turkey is seeking a role in the international stabilisation force envisioned for post-war Gaza under US President Donald Trump's plan.

However, Israeli leaders have repeatedly expressed their opposition to any Turkish participation in the international stabilisation force in Gaza.