Turkey has formally asked the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to issue a red notice for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged “genocide” related to an attack on activists from the Freedom Flotilla for Gaza in May.
According to a statement by Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek on social media platform X on July 18, arrest warrants for Netanyahu and another suspect were issued on July 14 on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity, and torture, within the framework of a case involving 35 people accused of intercepting ships in international waters.
“Following the arrest warrant issued against Benjamin Netanyahu, the Justice Ministry has asked the Interior Ministry to request Interpol to issue a red notice so these individuals can be pursued internationally,” Gurlek said, adding that Turkey will use all available legal mechanisms to ensure Israel is held accountable for its crimes in Gaza.
As a NATO member, Turkey has long been one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Ankara had previously issued domestic arrest warrants for Netanyahu over Israeli attacks.
The case stems from an incident in May, when Israeli forces opened fire on at least two vessels of the Freedom Flotilla for Gaza heading toward Palestinian territory. The flotilla of about 50 ships departed from Turkey in a renewed effort to deliver aid to Gaza, after earlier missions were intercepted by the Israeli military in international waters.
Activists on board were detained by Israeli forces in the Mediterranean, then taken to a prison in Israel and eventually deported. The incident sparked global outrage and prompted legal proceedings in France, Italy, and Australia.
In particular, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir caused anger when he released a video showing him berating activists who were kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs.
Reacting to Turkey’s move, Netanyahu’s office said that “President Erdogan’s pathetic efforts to threaten Israeli leaders and soldiers, the only true democracy in the Middle East, will lead nowhere.” Israel accused Erdogan of being “anti-Semitic” and vowed to continue acting firmly against Turkish efforts to destabilize the region.
Shortly after, Erdogan’s office condemned Netanyahu’s “petty political tactics” and dismissed Israel’s accusations of trying to “present Turkey as a new threat.”
