Ankara asks Interpol to pursue Israeli prime minister and another suspect as Istanbul court examines alleged attack on humanitarian activists

ANKARA: Türkiye has requested an Interpol red notice for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of an ongoing criminal case concerning an alleged attack on activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said on Friday.

The flotilla was carrying humanitarian assistance to Gaza when Israeli forces allegedly intervened against its vessels in international waters and detained activists.

Gurlek said Istanbul’s 11th High Criminal Court was continuing proceedings against 35 defendants, including Netanyahu and Afek Moskovitch.

Arrest Warrants Prompt Interpol Request

According to Gurlek, the court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Moskovitch on July 14, 2026, on genocide charges.

Consequently, the Justice Ministry asked Türkiye’s Interior Ministry to initiate the necessary procedures for requesting Interpol red notices against both suspects. Authorities also forwarded relevant documentation to the Foreign Ministry.

Gurlek said prosecutors accuse the defendants of involvement in an armed intervention against civilians transporting humanitarian assistance to Gaza and the subsequent detention of activists.

Moreover, the case includes allegations of crimes against humanity, genocide, aggravated deprivation of liberty, intentional injury, torture, property damage, aggravated robbery and hijacking transportation.

Ankara Vows to Pursue Legal Action

Gurlek said Türkiye would continue using available mechanisms under domestic and international law to pursue accountability for alleged crimes committed in Gaza.

“We will not allow the crimes committed in Gaza to be covered up or those responsible to be protected by a shield of impunity,” he said.

The latest action follows previous Turkish legal measures targeting Israeli officials.

In November 2025, Türkiye issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and several other suspects following an investigation into alleged Israeli actions in Gaza.

Turkish authorities said that investigation examined accusations involving systematic attacks against civilians, genocide and crimes against humanity.

The latest Interpol request marks another step in Ankara’s efforts to pursue Israeli officials through international legal and law-enforcement mechanisms.