Turkey formally requested Interpol to issue red notices for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Afek Moskovitch on August 21, 2026, to facilitate their international arrest in connection with a criminal case over the May attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla sailing towards Gaza in international waters [1, 2, 3, 4].
The flotilla, comprising about 50 vessels and carrying approximately 430 activists, was fired upon by Israeli forces in May 2026 as it approached Gaza [1, 3, 4]. The Turkish prosecution includes 35 defendants linked to the incident, with arrest warrants issued for Netanyahu and Moskovitch on July 14, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. They face charges including genocide, crimes against humanity, torture, aggravated deprivation of liberty, assault, destruction of property, robbery, and hijacking of transport vehicles [2, 3, 4].
Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said the justice ministry had requested Interior issue the Interpol red notices, adding, "We will not allow the crimes committed in Gaza to be covered up or those responsible to be protected by a shield of impunity. We will resolutely use all means available under national and international law" [1, 4].
Israel denies the charges and condemned Turkey's action. Netanyahu's office called it "Erdogan's pathetic attempt to intimidate the leaders and soldiers of Israel, the only true democracy in the Middle East," asserting the effort "will go nowhere" [1, 3].
France, Italy, and Australia have also opened judicial proceedings related to the flotilla attack [2, 3]. Activists detained by Israeli forces were imprisoned briefly before deportation [3].
The requested Interpol notices aim to facilitate international cooperation in prosecuting those responsible for the violence against the humanitarian convoy. The case continues to unfold through legal and diplomatic channels.
