Turkey has issued a fresh international arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, as part of an investigation into Israel’s interception of an activist flotilla attempting to reach Gaza.
Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced the development on Friday, saying the warrant forms part of an ongoing investigation into the interception of the Gaza-bound flotilla.
The latest move comes after Turkey had previously issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials over allegations of genocide linked to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Israel has strongly rejected the genocide allegations.
The new warrant further points out the deepening diplomatic rift between Ankara and Tel Aviv, which has deteriorated sharply since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.
Relations between the two countries have been strained by Turkey’s outspoken criticism of Israel and its continued engagement with Hamas, whose senior figures have been hosted in Turkey.
Ankara has also taken measures including suspending trade and direct flights with Israel.
The dispute over Gaza-bound flotillas has a history stretching back more than a decade.
In 2010, relations between Turkey and Israel suffered a major diplomatic crisis after Israeli naval commandos intercepted the Mavi Marmara, part of a flotilla heading for Gaza. Ten Turkish activists were killed during the confrontation.
Turkey issues fresh arrest warrant for Netanyahu over Gaza flotilla interception