Turkey has asked Interpol to issue a “Red Notice” for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into an alleged attack on activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said.
According to Gurlek, proceedings are continuing before Istanbul’s 11th High Criminal Court against 35 defendants, including Netanyahu and Afek Moskovitch, over the incident in international waters.
Gurlek said arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Moskovitch were issued on July 14, 2026, on allegations including genocide. Following the warrants, the Justice Ministry asked the Interior Ministry to request Red Notices from Interpol for the two suspects.
The relevant documents have also been forwarded to Turkey’s Foreign Ministry, Gurlek said.
The Turkish minister said the defendants are being prosecuted over alleged actions involving “armed intervention against civilians transporting humanitarian aid to Gaza in international waters” and the detention of activists.
The allegations listed by Turkish authorities include crimes against humanity, genocide, aggravated deprivation of liberty, intentional injury, torture, property damage, aggravated robbery and hijacking of vessels.
“We will not allow the crimes committed in Gaza to be covered up or those responsible to be protected by a shield of impunity,” Gurlek said, adding that Turkey would use all available means under national and international law.
The move marks a further escalation in Ankara’s legal and political pressure on the Israeli leadership over the war in Gaza and alleged attacks on humanitarian activists.
