Turkey seeks Interpol red notice for Netanyahu over Gaza flotilla case

Turkey has asked Interpol to issue a Red Notice for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in connection with a criminal case involving the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian aid mission bound for Gaza.

Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said proceedings are continuing before Istanbul’s 11th High Criminal Court against 35 people, including Netanyahu and Israeli official Afek Moskovitch.

Gurlek said arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Moskovitch were issued on July 14 over allegations including genocide. The Justice Ministry subsequently asked the Interior Ministry to pursue Interpol Red Notices against both men, with supporting documents also sent to the Foreign Ministry.

The case relates to Israeli forces intercepting activists attempting to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza in international waters. Turkish prosecutors have cited several alleged offences, including crimes against humanity, genocide, unlawful deprivation of liberty, intentional injury, torture, aggravated robbery and hijacking.

An Interpol Red Notice is an international request to locate and provisionally detain a person pending extradition or similar legal proceedings. It does not itself constitute an international arrest warrant, and Interpol reviews requests before deciding whether to publish them.

The Global Sumud Flotilla departed from Marmaris, Türkiye, on May 14, carrying more than 400 activists aboard dozens of boats from around 40 countries.

Organisers said Israeli forces intercepted the vessels in international waters on May 18 and 19, roughly 460 kilometres from Gaza. All 429 people aboard were detained, with most later deported to Istanbul.

Some participants subsequently alleged that they were beaten or mistreated while in Israeli custody.

Netanyahu’s office dismissed Turkey’s request and strongly criticised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, describing the move as an attempt to intimidate Israeli leaders and military personnel.

The Israeli statement also levelled several allegations against Erdogan and rejected Turkey’s proceedings against Netanyahu.

The Turkish case is separate from the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu in November 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel rejects the allegations and disputes the ICC’s jurisdiction.