Why it matters:
The move marks one of the most significant international legal challenges yet against Israel’s officials over its war crimes in Gaza, reinforcing growing global demands for accountability amid allegations of systematic attacks on civilians.
The big picture:
Tensions between Ankara and Tel Aviv have sharply escalated since the start of Israel’s military aggression in Gaza in October 2023. Turkey has repeatedly condemned Israel’s actions as “state terrorism” and has joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
By the numbers:
37 Israeli officials are named in the arrest warrants, though most of the names have not been publicly released yet.
68,875 Palestinians killed and 170,679 wounded since October 2023, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The Israeli war on Gaza has displaced nearly two million people in the besieged enclave.
What they’re saying:
The Istanbul prosecutor’s office stated that the suspects include War Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Army Chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.
The statement accused Israel of “systematic genocide and crimes against humanity.”
It cited the October 17, 2023, al-Ahli Baptist Hospital attack, which killed 500 people, and the bombing of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital in March.
State of play:
The warrants come nearly a year after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former War Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Turkey's action aligns with the growing international momentum seeking the prosecution of Israeli officials under international law.
Go deeper:
Turkey’s judicial move adds to Israel’s deepening isolation, signaling that pressure for accountability is expanding beyond diplomatic condemnations to formal international legal mechanisms.
ICC Rejects Israel’s Appeal Against Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant
Hossein Vaez - Mahboubeh Habibi
