Istanbul: An Istanbul court on Friday issued arrest warrants for 37 suspects, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on charges of crimes against humanity and genocide in Gaza and against the Global Sumud Flotilla vessel that was seized in October. The warrants were issued upon the request of the Istanbul chief public prosecutor's office, which stated that due to systematic genocide and crimes against humanity committed by the state of Israel in Gaza, thousands have lost their lives, and residential areas have been rendered unusable.
According to Anadolu Agency, the statement recalled the killing of six-year-old Hind Rajab by Israeli soldiers on January 29, 2024, and noted the escalation of such actions since October 7, 2023. Notable incidents include the October 17, 2023 attack on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital that claimed 500 lives, the deliberate destruction of medical equipment by Israeli soldiers on February 29, 2024, and the bombing of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital on March 21, 2025. Many other health facilities were attacked similarly, and Gaza was placed under blockade, denying victims access to humanitarian aid.
The statement highlighted the international community's attention to this situation, noting that activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla set sail toward Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid but were attacked by the Israeli navy in international waters. An ex officio investigation was launched into this assault under various articles of the Turkish Penal Code and provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea for crimes such as 'torture,' 'aggravated looting,' and 'hijacking or detention of transport vehicles.'
Victims detained by Israel were sent to Trkiye, where they underwent medical and psychological examinations at the Istanbul Forensic Medicine Institute, and the reports were submitted to the prosecutor's office. The Chief Public Prosecutor's Office took statements from individuals as victims and complainants, and letters were sent to uncover the material truth and identify individuals with criminal responsibility.
During the investigation, victims' legal representatives submitted petitions, and the Istanbul No. 2 Bar Association filed a criminal complaint. The evidence obtained determined that Israeli State officials bear criminal responsibility for systematic acts of 'crimes against humanity' and 'genocide' in Gaza, as well as actions against the Global Sumud Fleet.
The suspects are not currently in Trkiye, but the Istanbul Criminal Court of Peace issued arrest warrants for 37 suspects, including high-ranking Israeli officials, on charges of 'crimes against humanity' and 'genocide' under relevant articles of the Turkish Penal Code.