Turkey has requested an Interpol red notice for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his alleged involvement in the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Gatekeepers News reports that Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said the request followed arrest warrants issued by a Turkish court against Netanyahu and another Israeli suspect in connection with the case. The charges include genocide, crimes against humanity, torture, property damage and hijacking of means of transport.
The case centres on the interception of the Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters near the Greek island of Crete in May. The Global Sumud Flotilla was part of an international campaign seeking to deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.
According to Turkish authorities, the prosecution covers 35 people and alleges violations committed against activists aboard the flotilla. Ankara said the legal action was aimed at ensuring that those responsible would be held accountable.
Gurlek said Turkey had formally submitted the request to Interpol for a red notice against Netanyahu and another Israeli official. A red notice is an international request to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition or similar legal proceedings; it is not, by itself, an international arrest warrant.
Netanyahu already faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court issued in November 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel’s war in Gaza. Israel has rejected the allegations against Netanyahu and dismissed Turkey’s latest move.
The latest development is expected to further worsen relations between Turkey and Israel, which have become increasingly strained over Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Ankara’s strong criticism of the Israeli government.
Interpol will have to consider Turkey’s request before deciding whether to issue a red notice.
