Turkey has sought an Interpol red notice issue for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the persecution of activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla bound for Gaza aid.
Justice Minister Akin Gurlek on Friday announced on X, the international arrest warrant is a part of investigation into Israel’s interception of a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza.
According to Gurlek, the arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Afek Moskovitch were issued on July 14 on genocide charges. Later the Justice Ministry asked the Interior Ministry to pursue the interpol notices.
Gurlek said Istanbul’s 11th High Criminal Court is currently presiding over judicial proceedings for 35 defendants, including Benjamin Netanyahu and Afek Moskovitch, in connection with the international waters incident.
He further revealed that documents have also been sent to the Foreign ministry. The charges over which the arrest warrant is being sought include the “armed intervention against civilians delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza in international waters and the detention of activists.”
Other charges include “crimes against humanity, genocide, aggravated deprivation of liberty, intentional injury, torture, damage to property, aggravated robbery and hijacking of means of transportation.”
“We will not allow the crimes committed in Gaza to be covered up or those responsible to be protected by a shield of impunity,” Gurlek said.
“We will resolutely use all means available under national and international law,” he added.
