Turkey seeks Interpol red notice for Netanyahu over Gaza flotilla case
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Turkey said on Friday it would seek an Interpol red notice for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of a domestic criminal case linked to an attack on activists seeking to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said arrest warrants had been issued on July 14 for Netanyahu and another suspect, with charges including genocide, crimes against humanity and torture. Netanyahu's office called the move pathetic and said it would go nowhere.
Key Facts
- Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said arrest warrants were issued on July 14 for Netanyahu and another suspect.
- The case covers 35 people over the Israeli interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters.
- Netanyahu's office called Erdogan's move pathetic and said it will go nowhere.
- France, Italy and Australia have also launched judicial proceedings over the flotilla interception.
Legal Action
Turkey has sought an international arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of genocide for Israel's attack in May on activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla for Gaza. In a post on X on Friday, Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said arrest warrants had been issued on July 14 for Netanyahu and another suspect. Charges included genocide, crimes against humanity and torture, as part of a case against 35 people over the Israeli interception in international waters. Gurlek said the justice ministry has requested that the interior ministry issue Interpol red notices for them so that they may be sought internationally. Turkey will use all available legal mechanisms to ensure Israel is held accountable for its crimes in Gaza, he added.
Flotilla Interception
In May, Israeli forces fired on at least two vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla sailing towards Gaza. About 50 vessels were in the Global Sumud Flotilla that left Turkey in May heading for the besieged Palestinian territory. The activists were detained in the Mediterranean by the Israeli military and then taken to an Israeli prison before being deported. Israel's far right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, caused outrage at the time by releasing a video of himself angrily provoking flotilla activists who were on their knees with their hands tied behind their backs.
International Response
Israel's interception of the flotilla provoked international outcry. France, Italy and Australia have also launched judicial proceedings. NATO member Turkey has been one of the fiercest critics of Israel's assault on Gaza and has previously issued domestic arrest warrants for Netanyahu over the war there. Turkey has repeatedly called for international measures against Israel over what Ankara calls its violations of human rights and international law. Israel denies those charges.
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Turkey seeks Interpol red notice for Netanyahu over Gaza flotilla case
