Turkey Issues Interpol Arrest Warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu Over Gaza Flotilla Attacks
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek cites role in strikes on activists delivering humanitarian aid.
Ankara1 min read
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Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced on 21 August 2026 that Turkey has issued an Interpol arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The warrant relates to Netanyahu’s role in attacks on activists seeking to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Gürlek linked the action to what Turkey describes as genocide in the territory.
France 24 and Reuters reported the announcement. Turkey has previously sought international legal action against Israeli officials over the Gaza conflict.
Israel has not issued an immediate formal response. The move adds to a series of legal and diplomatic pressures surrounding the war, including investigations into specific incidents such as the killing of five-year-old Hind Rajab.
Separately, Turkey, Egypt and Qatar condemned recent Israeli strikes in Gaza and called for Israel to meet ceasefire obligations.
The warrant is unlikely to result in an immediate arrest given Interpol’s processes and Netanyahu’s position, but it marks a formal escalation in Turkey’s legal campaign.
