Türkiye seeks Interpol red notice for Netanyahu over flotilla attack

Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said on Friday that Türkiye has requested Interpol to issue a red notice for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in connection with an ongoing prosecution over an attack on activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. The request forms part of broader judicial proceedings before Istanbul's 11th High Criminal Court.

Legal proceedings in Istanbul

Judicial proceedings are continuing before Istanbul's 11th High Criminal Court against 35 defendants, including Netanyahu and Afek Moskovitch, over the incident in international waters. Arrest warrants issued for the two suspects on July 14, 2026, on charges of "genocide" prompted the Justice Ministry to ask the Interior Ministry to seek Interpol red notices, Gurlek said in a statement posted on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal. The relevant documents have also been forwarded to the Foreign Ministry.

Charges detailed

Netanyahu and Moskovitch are being prosecuted over alleged actions involving the "armed intervention against civilians delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza in international waters and the detention of activists," Gurlek said. The charges include "crimes against humanity," "genocide," "aggravated deprivation of liberty," "intentional injury," "torture," "damage to property," "aggravated robbery" and "hijacking of means of transportation," he added.

'No shield of impunity'

"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. "We will resolutely use all means available under national and international law," he added. The case relates to an attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters while the vessel was en route to deliver aid to Gaza.