Turkey has requested an Interpol red notice for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The request relates to a case involving a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced the move on Friday. He said the request concerns an ongoing judicial case in Istanbul.
The case involves the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters. The flotilla was carrying humanitarian aid and activists toward Gaza.
Turkish authorities say arrest warrants were issued for Netanyahu and Afek Moskovitch on July 14. The warrants include allegations of genocide and other serious offences.
Turkey alleges that Netanyahu and Moskovitch were involved in actions against flotilla activists. The charges include crimes against humanity and genocide.
Other allegations include unlawful detention, intentional injury and torture. The case also includes accusations of property damage, robbery and hijacking.
The proceedings are continuing before Istanbul’s 11th High Criminal Court. A total of 35 defendants are reportedly involved in the case.
The flotilla included around 50 vessels and about 430 activists. It left Turkey in May with humanitarian aid for Gaza.
Israeli forces intercepted the vessels in the Mediterranean. The activists were detained before being taken to an Israeli prison.
They were later expelled from Israel. The interception triggered international criticism and legal action in several countries.
France, Italy and Australia have also launched judicial proceedings linked to the incident. Turkey has been among Israel’s strongest critics over the Gaza war.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly accused Netanyahu of genocide. Ankara has also called for international action against Israeli officials.
Netanyahu’s office rejected Turkey’s accusations. It accused the Turkish government of hypocrisy and criticised Erdogan.
The Israeli statement also accused Erdogan of supporting Hamas. Israel said it would continue opposing Turkey’s alleged efforts to destabilise the region.
Turkey responded by rejecting the Israeli criticism. Erdogan’s office described Israel’s remarks as unacceptable.
It also accused Netanyahu’s government of trying to avoid accountability. Turkish officials further dismissed the Israeli criticism as political rhetoric.
The dispute comes amid growing tensions between Turkey and Israel. Their disagreements also extend to developments in neighbouring Syria.
Netanyahu is facing domestic political pressure ahead of Israel’s upcoming elections. Turkey said his response could be linked to political considerations.
The case against Netanyahu remains part of Turkey’s domestic judicial process. The requested Interpol notice does not itself determine guilt.
The legal process could now attract further international attention. Any future developments will depend on Turkish proceedings and Interpol’s response.
For now, Netanyahu remains the central figure in the diplomatic dispute. Turkey says it will continue pursuing the case through legal channels.
In other news read more about Netanyahu Faces Arrest Warrant From Türkiye Over Gaza Allegations
The latest move has further strained relations between Ankara and Tel Aviv. Both sides have continued exchanging strong accusations over the flotilla case and Gaza.
