Turkey Issues Arrest Warrants for Israeli Leaders Over Gaza

In a move that has stirred international attention, Turkey announced Friday that it has issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several senior officials over alleged crimes in Gaza. The warrants, issued by Istanbul’s prosecutor’s office, accuse 37 top Israeli figures, including Defence Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, of “genocide and crimes against humanity.”

Turkey’s statement highlights that these alleged crimes have been carried out systematically in Gaza, pointing specifically to the destruction of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital in March. Built with Turkish aid, the hospital was reportedly bombed during Israeli military operations, becoming a symbol of the humanitarian cost of the conflict.

The development follows Turkey’s alignment last year with South Africa in filing a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing the country of committing genocide. Analysts say the latest step marks a new phase of Turkey’s assertive diplomatic stance in support of Palestinians, signaling potential international legal confrontations.

While a fragile ceasefire has been holding in Gaza since October 10, as part of a peace initiative backed by the United States, tensions remain high. Regional observers caution that such legal measures could further complicate already delicate negotiations, as both sides navigate the aftermath of prolonged conflict.

Legal experts note that while issuing warrants does not automatically result in arrests outside Turkey, it places international pressure on Israeli officials and raises the profile of accountability debates regarding Gaza.