Turkey has formally issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several top Israeli officials, accusing them of genocide and crimes against humanity during Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

The announcement, made by the Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office on Friday, lists 37 suspects, including Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. The complete list of names has not been publicly released.

Turkey’s Accusations Against Israeli Leadership

According to the Turkish statement, the Israeli government has “systematically perpetrated genocide and crimes against humanity” against Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023. The statement cites multiple incidents as evidence:

• October 17, 2023: The deadly attack on al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, claiming over 500 lives.
• February 29, 2024: Deliberate destruction of medical equipment by Israeli soldiers.
• March 2024: Bombing of the Turkish-built “Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital.”
• Ongoing Blockade: Palestinians in Gaza being denied access to humanitarian aid.

Bodies of unidentified Palestinians returned from Israel under a ceasefire agreement were buried in a mass grave in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The incident highlights the scale of civilian casualties in the conflict.

International and Regional Reactions

The arrest warrants issued by Turkey have sparked strong reactions. Israel denounced the move as a “PR stunt.” Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized the decision, saying it reflects the political agenda of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan rather than genuine legal concerns.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian group Hamas welcomed Turkey’s decision, calling it a “commendable measure” that underscores Turkey’s commitment to justice, humanitarian values, and solidarity with the Palestinian people.

This development comes almost one year after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes. Turkey has also joined South Africa in filing a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the country of genocide.

Humanitarian Toll of Israel’s War on Gaza

Since October 2023, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in at least 68,875 Palestinian deaths and left 170,679 wounded. These figures include civilians, women, and children, underscoring the scale of human suffering in the region.

The ongoing violence, coupled with the blockade, has worsened living conditions in Gaza, limiting access to healthcare, clean water, and basic humanitarian aid. International organizations continue to call for ceasefire negotiations and accountability for violations of international law.

What This Means for Israel-Turkey Relations

The issuance of arrest warrants by Turkey is likely to escalate tensions between the two countries. Turkey has positioned itself as a strong advocate for Palestinian rights, while Israel continues to reject international criticism of its military operations. The move may also impact diplomatic relations and international efforts toward a long-term peace in the region.

As the situation unfolds, global attention remains on Gaza, where the humanitarian crisis and legal proceedings could reshape regional politics and the discourse on human rights and international law.