Turkey seeks Interpol arrest alert for Netanyahu over Gaza flotilla

Harry Archie August 21, 2026

International

No Comments

Turkey has asked Interpol to issue an international arrest alert for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged genocide linked to Israel’s interception of an aid flotilla heading to Gaza.

Turkey’s Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced the move on Friday, saying his ministry had asked the Interior Ministry to request Interpol red notices for Netanyahu and another Israeli, Afek Moskovitch.

The request follows arrest warrants issued on July 14, 2026, over the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters.

The flotilla, which included about 430 activists, was intercepted by Israeli forces in May while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. The activists were detained and later expelled from Israel.

Turkey said Netanyahu and Moskovitch are facing allegations including genocide, crimes against humanity, torture, unlawful detention, assault, destruction of property, looting and hijacking of transport vehicles.

France, Italy and Australia have also launched legal proceedings over the interception of the flotilla.

The move is the latest in Turkey’s strong criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which began in October 2023.

The flotilla was made up of about 50 vessels that left Turkey in May in an attempt to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also faced international criticism after releasing a video showing detained flotilla activists with their hands tied behind their backs.