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.