Turkey issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and senior Israeli officials over Gaza genocide charges

The Istanbul Prosecutor General's Office in Turkey issued arrest warrants Friday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several senior military and political officials on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.

The warrants target a total of 37 suspects, according to statements from the Istanbul prosecutor's office, though a complete list of those targeted has not been publicly released. The charges relate to alleged systematic crimes committed during Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip, which began following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas.

Among the high-profile Israeli officials named in the warrants are Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The warrants also target key military leaders, including Army Chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir and Navy Chief David Saar Salama.

The prosecutor's office stated that based on the evidence collected, the named Israeli officials were deemed "penally responsible for the systematic crimes of lesa humanidad and genocide committed in Gaza." The statement also referenced actions taken against the Global Sumud Flotilla.

The investigation cited specific incidents that occurred during the conflict. These include the October 17, 2023, incident at the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, which the prosecutor noted claimed 500 lives, and the alleged deliberate destruction of medical equipment on February 29, 2024.

The issuance of the warrants by the Turkish judiciary represents a significant legal and diplomatic escalation, given Turkey's strong condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza since the start of the conflict. The prosecutor's office confirmed that the investigation into the alleged crimes remains "comprehensive and meticulous."

While the warrants are legally binding within Turkey, their immediate practical effect on the targeted officials outside of Turkish jurisdiction is limited. Turkey has accused the officials of crimes that Israel has "perpetrated systematically" in its war on Gaza.