Türkiye has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 36 senior Israeli officials over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said the warrants stem from Israel’s “systematic and deliberate” actions resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians, including women and children.

Türkiye Takes Bold Legal Step Against Israel

In a statement released Friday, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office accused Israel of conducting a “systematic campaign of genocide and crimes against humanity” in Gaza since October 2023. It said the attacks had caused the deaths of thousands of civilians, injured thousands more, and destroyed much of Gaza’s infrastructure, leaving entire neighborhoods uninhabitable.

The statement cited specific incidents, including the October 17, 2023 strike on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, which killed more than 500 people, and the February 29, 2024 deliberate destruction of medical equipment by Israeli troops. Prosecutors also noted that Israel’s ongoing blockade of Gaza had “intentionally obstructed humanitarian aid” to those in need.

Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital Among Targets

Türkiye’s prosecutors highlighted the bombing of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital in March 2024 as further evidence of Israel’s disregard for international law. The hospital, built by Türkiye to support Gaza’s healthcare system, was struck by Israeli forces despite being clearly marked as a medical facility.

Officials said the attack violated international conventions that guarantee the protection of medical institutions during armed conflict.

Israel Dismisses Move As A ‘Public Relations Stunt’

Israeli officials sharply criticized Türkiye’s decision. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar wrote on X, “Israel strongly and contemptuously rejects President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s latest public relations show.”

Israel’s government argued that the move was politically motivated and lacked legal foundation, calling it an attempt by Türkiye to “score points in the international arena.”

Hamas Welcomes Türkiye’s decision

Hamas praised Türkiye’s action, describing it as a “commendable and principled move” that reaffirmed “the Turkish people’s and leadership’s commitment to justice, humanity, and brotherhood with the oppressed Palestinian nation.”

Hamas said the warrants marked “an important step toward accountability for Israel’s war crimes” and called on other countries to take similar measures.

Global Eeaction And Implications

Legal experts say Türkiye’s warrants are largely symbolic but carry significant political weight. While implementation may be limited due to jurisdictional constraints, analysts note that the decision amplifies growing international pressure on Israel over its Gaza campaign.

The move comes amid mounting calls for global accountability as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with Türkiye positioning itself as one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s military actions.