Turkish court orders arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

The arrest warrants, issued on November 7, target a total of 37 individuals, based on allegations of crimes against humanity and genocide during the war in the Gaza Strip.

In addition to Mr. Netanyahu, the list also includes Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Israel Defense Forces Commander Herzi Halevi.

The arrest request came from the Istanbul chief prosecutor's office, which cited a series of Israeli airstrikes on medical facilities in Gaza, including the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital.

The indictment also details Israel’s blockade of Gaza and its failure to provide humanitarian aid, a situation exacerbated by the seizure of aid ships by Israel in October.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: X/IsraeliPM

Ankara's move immediately met with fierce opposition from Israel. Speaking directly about the incident, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar declared that "Israel firmly rejects" the allegations.

In contrast, the Hamas movement in Gaza welcomed the move, saying it was "an action demonstrating Turkey's sincere stance on justice, humanity and brotherhood with the oppressed Palestinian people."

This is not the first time Türkiye has taken legal action against Israel. Previously, it and South Africa filed a lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for genocide.

According to analysts, the arrest warrant from the Istanbul court is largely symbolic and a legal warning. In reality, Ankara is unlikely to enforce the arrest warrant outside its territory unless the individuals involved set foot in Türkiye or countries with which it has an extradition treaty.

Israel launched a large-scale military operation in Gaza after Hamas launched attacks on its border. The number of Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks has reached nearly 70,000, with more than 170,600 injured, most of them civilians, and almost the entire Gaza Strip has been reduced to rubble.

Source: https://congluan.vn/toa-an-tho-nhi-ky-ra-lenh-bat-thu-tuong-israel-netanyahu-10317059.html