The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office issued arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials for crimes against humanity and genocide in Gaza. The action addresses Israel's offensive launched in October 2023, which has caused over 68,800 deaths. Israel dismissed it as propaganda, while Hamas praised it and called for international support.
On Friday, the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office in Turkey issued arrest warrants against nearly 40 individuals, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for crimes against humanity and genocide. The decision stems from Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip, which over the past two years has left more than 68,800 dead and 170,600 injured, according to Gaza authorities controlled by Hamas. Fears persist that the actual toll is higher, with bodies still being found in areas withdrawn from by Israeli troops following a ceasefire agreement.
Targets include Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and Navy Chief David Saar Salama. A prosecutor's statement reads: “Based on the evidence gathered, it has been determined that the following Israeli officials are criminally responsible for the systematic crimes against humanity and genocide committed in Gaza and for the actions undertaken against the Global Sumud Flotilla. (...) The investigation continues exhaustively and meticulously”.
The document highlights civilian victims, widespread destruction, and specific attacks, such as the bombing of Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital that killed 500 people, and the death of six-year-old Hind Rajab from hundreds of shots by Israeli soldiers. These acts have intensified since October 7, 2023, amid a blockade preventing humanitarian aid. It also probes Israel's attack on Global Sumud Flotilla activists in international waters, for torture, looting, and deprivation of liberty.
Israel responded dismissively. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the warrant “the latest propaganda maneuver of the tyrant,” referring to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and criticized Turkey's judicial independence, citing the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Hamas praised the move in a statement reported by Filastin: “This commendable measure reaffirms the stance of the Turkish people, committed to the values of justice and humanity, and to the fraternity that unites them with our oppressed people, who have suffered and continue to suffer the most atrocious extermination war in modern history at the hands of the war criminals leading the fascist occupation”. The Palestinian militia urged other countries to issue similar warrants against Israeli leaders.