Türkiye Issues Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Dozens of Israeli Officials Over Alleged Gaza Genocide
Istanbul,Türkiye – The Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office announced Friday the issuance of arrest warrants for 37 individuals,including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,on charges of ”crimes against humanity” and “genocide” related to Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip. The warrants, issued by the Istanbul Peace Criminal Court, stem from an investigation into the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, including women and children, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure during the ongoing conflict.
While acknowledging the suspects are currently outside of Türkiye and therefore cannot be immediately arrested, the move signals a notable escalation in Türkiye’s condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The investigation cited evidence of systematic attacks targeting civilians, hospitals – including the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital built by Ankara which was bombed in March – and residential areas, concluding that Israeli state officials bear criminal duty under Turkish law. This action underscores growing international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and adds to existing legal challenges, including a genocide case brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which Türkiye joined last year.
The Prosecutor’s Office statement detailed that the charges fall under articles 77 (“crimes against humanity”) and 76 (“genocide”) of the turkish Criminal Code. The warrants were issued at the request of the Prosecutor’s Office on November 7, 2025.
Türkiye has been a vocal critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, and the decision to pursue arrest warrants reflects the contry’s strong stance in support of Palestinian rights and its condemnation of what it considers disproportionate force used against civilians. the move is highly likely to further strain already tense relations between Türkiye and Israel.
(nvc/idh)