Turkey has announced that it has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several senior Israeli officials, citing accusations of “genocide and crimes against humanity” committed during Israel’s military operations in Gaza since October 2023.
The Turkish government highlighted specific incidents, including the October 17, 2023, attack on the al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, which resulted in 500 fatalities. They also referenced an incident on February 29, 2024, when Israeli forces reportedly destroyed medical equipment. Furthermore, Turkey noted that Gaza has been subjected to a blockade, obstructing humanitarian aid for the victims of the conflict.
The statement also mentioned the “Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital,” established by Turkey in the Gaza Strip, which was bombed by Israeli forces in March 2024. Among the 37 individuals listed in the warrants are Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, as stated by the Istanbul prosecutor’s office.
This announcement from Turkey comes nearly one year after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on allegations of war crimes.
In response, Hamas welcomed the Turkish government’s actions, describing them as a commendable measure that reflects the commitment of the Turkish leadership and people to the values of justice and humanity, particularly in their support for the Palestinian cause.
On the contrary, Israel condemned the move, characterizing it as a “PR stunt.” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed disdain on social media, stating, “Israel firmly rejects, with contempt, the latest PR stunt by the tyrant [President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan.”
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