Overview
- The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor named 37 Israeli officials on allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity tied to the Gaza war and a recent aid flotilla interception.
- Those listed include Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, military chief Eyal Zamir and Navy commander David Saar Salama.
- Prosecutors pointed to strikes on hospitals in Gaza, the January 2024 killing of six-year-old Hind Rajab, the Global Sumud flotilla operation, and Gaza's blockade that impeded humanitarian aid.
- Israel condemned the move as political propaganda, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar criticizing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's use of the judiciary, while Hamas praised the warrants.
- The action adds legal pressure alongside a prior ICC warrant for Netanyahu and, as domestic orders, would require cooperation by other states to enforce, a factor weighing on talks over any Turkish role in a U.S.-backed Gaza stabilization force.