Turkey requests Interpol red notice for Netanyahu over Sumud Flotilla

Turkey has announced criminal proceedings against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other high-ranking officials concerning the Israeli military's interception of the Gaza-bound Sumud Flotilla. Justice Minister Akın Gurlek stated on X that Turkey has requested an Interpol red notice for Netanyahu's apprehension.

A Turkish court, the Istanbul 11th High Criminal Court, issued the international arrest warrant as part of an ongoing trial. The charges against Netanyahu and other defendants include "crimes against humanity," "genocide," "intentional injury," "torment," "property damage," "aggravated looting," "hindering the movement of transportation vehicles," "hijacking or detention," and "depriving individuals of their liberty."

The Global Sumud Flotilla, named for the Arabic word for steadfastness, was an international civilian maritime initiative organized by non-governmental organizations and global activists. It set sail in late 2025 to break the Israeli naval blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. In October 2025, Israeli naval forces intercepted the flotilla's vessels in international waters, boarding the ships, seizing them, and detaining hundreds of activists who were later deported.

This new red notice marks a formal move by the court to seek international enforcement of charges previously outlined in preliminary arrest warrants issued in November 2025. An indictment finalized in April 2026 by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office had demanded aggravated life sentences for the Israeli leadership, asserting Turkish court jurisdiction under international maritime law.