A photo of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu hangs on the sidewalk during a demonstration in front of the Israeli Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv, March 29, 2025. (AFP Photo)
07 November 2025 at 08:31 PM GMT+03:00
TOn Friday, the Turkish Public Prosecutor’s Office in Istanbul issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 36 other suspects on genocide charges linked to Israeli military operations in Gaza.
The arrest warrants target several high-ranking Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Border and Security Minister Eyal Zamir, and Commander of the Israeli Navy David Saar-Salama, according to a press release from the Attorney General’s Office dated November 7, 2025.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference in Jerusalem, May 21, 2025. (AFP Photo)
The investigation indicates attacks on hospitals and civilian casualties
The investigation focuses on what Turkish authorities describe as systematic violence against civilians in Gaza. The Attorney General’s Office cited specific incidents dating back to October 2023, including attacks on Community Baptist Hospital on October 17, 2023, and damage to Epley Baptist Hospital on October 21, 2023, which resulted in multiple civilian casualties.
Turkish prosecutors also pointed to the killing of aid workers from World Central Kitchen on April 1, 2024, when several staff members were injured during humanitarian operations.
These charges stem from allegations that Israeli military operations have systematically targeted civilians and infrastructure in Gaza, obstructing humanitarian aid and preventing access to medical assistance. Prosecutors pointed to statements made through the Al-Samoud fleet, which they said attempted to deliver aid to Gaza via sea routes.
The recent complaints prompted an official investigation
The investigation was conducted due to complaints submitted to the Istanbul courts on October 4, 7, October 9 and 10, 2025. The Turkish authorities conducted the investigation under the jurisdiction of the Istanbul Court of Justice and in coordination with the Turkish Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Attorney General’s Office stated that the arrest warrants were issued with the authority granted to it under established legal procedures, and described the alleged acts as crimes against humanity that warrant further investigation.
Türkiye has been an outspoken critic of the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which began after a Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023. The Turkish government suspended diplomatic and trade relations with Israel due to the conflict.
07 November 2025 at 08:31 PM GMT+03:00