Turkey issues fresh arrest warrant for Netanyahu over Gaza flotilla interception

Turkish authorities have issued an additional international arrest warrant targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This latest move is part of an ongoing investigation into Israel's interception of an activist flotilla headed towards Gaza. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek revealed the development on Friday, emphasizing that the warrant is a result of the ongoing probe into the interception.

The move follows Turkey's previous issuance of arrest warrants for Netanyahu and other high-ranking Israeli officials, linked to allegations of genocide stemming from Israel's military actions in Gaza. Israel firmly denies these accusations of genocide. The new warrant underscores the escalating diplomatic tensions between Turkey and Israel, which have significantly worsened since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led assault on Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza.

Relations between the nations have been strained by Turkey's vocal criticism of Israel and its ongoing diplomatic ties with Hamas, a group whose senior members have been hosted in Turkey. Ankara has retaliated with measures such as suspending trade and direct flights with Israel. The dispute over Gaza-bound flotillas stretches back over a decade, with a major diplomatic crisis erupting in 2010 when Israeli naval forces intercepted the Mavi Marmara, a flotilla traveling to Gaza. During the confrontation, ten Turkish activists were killed.