Turkey Seeks International Arrest Warrant For Netanyahu Over Gaza Flotilla

Turkey has sought international arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and another Israeli national, accusing them of genocide over Israel’s interception of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza.

Turkey’s Justice Minister, Akin Gurlek, announced the move on Friday, saying his ministry had asked the Interior Ministry to issue Interpol red notices for Netanyahu and Afek Moskovitch.

Gurlek said the request was part of judicial proceedings over what Turkey described as an attack on activists in international waters during the interception of the flotilla.

According to the minister, arrest warrants had already been issued on July 14, 2026, against Netanyahu and Moskovitch over allegations including genocide.

The Turkish Justice Ministry said the two were also being prosecuted for crimes against humanity, aggravated deprivation of liberty, intentional assault and battery, torture, destruction of property, aggravated looting and the hijacking of transport vehicles.

The case relates to the Global Sumud Flotilla, which left Turkey in May carrying humanitarian aid and about 430 activists aboard some 50 vessels bound for the Gaza Strip.

The flotilla was intercepted by the Israeli military in the Mediterranean, with activists detained and taken to an Israeli prison before being expelled.

Israel’s interception of the flotilla sparked international criticism, with France, Italy and Australia also launching judicial proceedings related to the incident.

Turkey has been one of Israel’s strongest critics over the Gaza war, which began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly accused Israel and Netanyahu of genocide in Gaza.

The flotilla incident also triggered controversy after Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, released a video showing himself taunting some detained activists who were on their knees with their hands tied behind their backs.

The latest move by Ankara could further deepen tensions between Turkey and Israel over the Gaza conflict and the treatment of humanitarian activists.