Turkey issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and others

• Turkey issued arrest warrants for 37 Israeli officials.
• The charges relate to genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
• The warrants triggered international reactions and questions regarding Turkey's role in peacekeeping forces.

Turkey issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials, accusing them of genocide. According to information from the Istanbul prosecutor's office, the warrants involve 37 individuals, including the Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir, and military chief General-Lieutenant Herzi Halevi.

The accusations concern "crimes against humanity" and "genocide," which, according to Turkish officials, Israel has committed in Gaza. The statement also mentions the "medical friendship between Turkey and Palestine," established in the Gaza sector, which was destroyed by Israel in the bombardment.

Turkey last year accused Israel of genocide in the International Court.

Notably, since October 10, Gaza has been under a strict regime of fuel deprivation as part of a humanitarian plan, imposed by US President Donald Trump.

Israel quickly condemned these warrants, calling them "PR-stunts" of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Gideon Sa'ar stated that Turkish justice has long become an instrument for the imposition of political opponents.

The warrants raised questions regarding Turkey's role in international peacekeeping forces for Gaza under the agreement on fuel deprivation, which is supported by the US.

Earlier this week, a number of leaders from the Muslim population met in Istanbul to discuss international stabilization forces for Gaza. Turkey is considering how to potentially participate in these forces, while Israel opposes the deployment of Turkish troops in Gaza.

Tags: Middle East/Politics