Turkey has sought an international arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged "genocide" linked to Israel's interception of an aid flotilla heading to Gaza, Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said on Friday.&nbsp;The Turkish Justice Ministry has also sought an Interpol red notice for another Israeli national, Afek Moskovitch. The move follows arrest warrants issued by Turkey against Netanyahu and other Israeli officials over allegations related to Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. Israel has rejected accusations of genocide.&nbsp;Gurlek said on X that the Justice Ministry had asked the Interior Ministry to issue international arrest alerts for Netanyahu and Moskovitch.&nbsp;"As part of the judicial proceedings concerning the attack in international waters on the Flotilla activists (...) and in accordance with the arrest warrants issued on July 14, 2026, against Benjamin Netanyahu and Afek Moskovitch for 'genocide,' the ministry of justice has requested that the ministry of the interior issue red notices for their international arrest," the minister stated.&nbsp;According to the ministry, the two are being prosecuted for “crimes against humanity, genocide, aggravated deprivation of liberty, 'intentional assault and battery,' torture, destruction of property, aggravated looting, and hijacking of transport vehicles.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Gazze’ye insani yardım ulaştırmak amacıyla yola çıkan Küresel Sumud Filosu aktivistlerine uluslararası sularda gerçekleştirilen saldırıya ilişkin yargı süreci kararlılıkla devam etmektedir. İstanbul 11. Ağır Ceza Mahkemesinin 2026/108 Esas sayılı dosyasında, aralarında Binyamin…&mdash; Akın Gürlek (@abakingurlek) <a href="https://x.com/abakingurlek/status/2090765048431985015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Flotilla interception sparks legal action</h2>Around 50 vessels were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla that departed Turkey in May for the besieged Palestinian territory. Israeli forces intercepted the activists in the Mediterranean, detained them and later took them to an Israeli prison before their expulsion.&nbsp;The latest Turkish action comes amid a sharp deterioration in relations between Ankara and Jerusalem since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack and the subsequent Gaza war. Turkey has hosted Hamas leaders, while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly criticised Israel. Ankara has also ended trade and direct flights with Israel.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-better-we-end-the-war-now-iran-s-pezeshkian-says-tehran-is-in-position-of-power-1787318532156">‘It is better we end the war now’: Iran’s Pezeshkian says Tehran is in ‘position of power’</a><h2>Tensions rise over Syria</h2>The dispute has also expanded beyond Gaza. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Thursday that Erdogan was "dragging Turkey into dangerous adventures in Syria".&nbsp;Katz made the remarks after Israel carried out airstrikes on Syria's Abu al-Duhar air base earlier this week, claiming Turkish troops were preparing to deploy there.&nbsp;Turkey's Defence Ministry rejected the claim, saying it had no military presence at the base. It also said Ankara would continue supporting Syria's efforts to develop its infrastructure and military capabilities.Meanwhile, Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir triggered further controversy after releasing a video showing detained flotilla activists on their knees with their hands tied behind their backs.

Turkey has sought Interpol red notices for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and another Israeli national over alleged genocide linked to the interception of a Gaza aid flotilla, amid worsening tensions between Ankara and Jerusalem.

Turkey has sought an international arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged "genocide" linked to Israel's interception of an aid flotilla heading to Gaza, Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said on Friday. The Turkish Justice Ministry has also sought an Interpol red notice for another Israeli national, Afek Moskovitch. The move follows arrest warrants issued by Turkey against Netanyahu and other Israeli officials over allegations related to Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. Israel has rejected accusations of genocide. Gurlek said on X that the Justice Ministry had asked the Interior Ministry to issue international arrest alerts for Netanyahu and Moskovitch. "As part of the judicial proceedings concerning the attack in international waters on the Flotilla activists (...) and in accordance with the arrest warrants issued on July 14, 2026, against Benjamin Netanyahu and Afek Moskovitch for 'genocide,' the ministry of justice has requested that the ministry of the interior issue red notices for their international arrest," the minister stated. According to the ministry, the two are being prosecuted for “crimes against humanity, genocide, aggravated deprivation of liberty, 'intentional assault and battery,' torture, destruction of property, aggravated looting, and hijacking of transport vehicles.”

Turkey has sought Interpol red notices for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and another Israeli national over alleged genocide linked to the interception of a Gaza aid flotilla, amid worsening tensions between Ankara and Jerusalem.

Turkey issues 'genocide' warrant for Israeli PM Netanyahu over Gaza flotilla

Gaza Freedom Flotilla, which has been attempting to deliver much-needed aid to war-ravaged Gaza, on Wednesday (Oct 8) revealed that its vessels were under attack at the hands of the Israeli military. The organisation said that several of its boats were intercepted by Israel while sailing towards the Gaza Strip. It also alleged that Tel Aviv's military was jamming signals and had even boarded two of its boats in the latest attempt to intercept aid. Meanwhile, Israel labelled the aid vessel as "another futile attempt to breach its naval blockade" and said that all the passengers were "safe and in good health". This comes just days after famed Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and other activists who were detained in a similar interception revealed that they were mistreated while in Israeli detention.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-blatant-act-of-desperation-greta-thunberg-activists-detained-as-israeli-navy-stops-gaza-aid-flotilla-1759372426305">‘Blatant act of desperation’: Greta Thunberg, activists detained as Israeli navy stops Gaza aid flotilla. Watch video</a><h2>Israel says aid-carrying activists will be deported soon</h2>In a post on X, the Israeli Foreign Ministry insisted that the detained activists were "safe and in good health" and said that “another futile attempt” to breach its “legal naval blockade” and enter the combat zone has “ended in nothing”. It added that “the passengers are expected to be deported promptly”.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone ended in nothing. The vessels and the passengers are transferred to an Israeli port. All the passengers are safe and in good health. The passengers are expected to be deported promptly.&mdash; Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraelMFA/status/1975765919189160114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, on X, Global Sumud Flotilla said that three of its vessels—Gaza Sunbirds, Alaa Al-Najjar, and Anas Al-Sharif were “attacked and illegally intercepted by the Israeli military at 04:34 am, 220 kilometres (around 140 miles) off the coast of Gaza”. The aid organisers added that another vessel, ‘Conscience’, with over 90 people onboard, was “under attack”.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Three vessels — Gaza Sunbirds, Alaa Al-Najjar, and Anas Al-Sharif — have been attacked and illegally intercepted by the Israeli military at 04:34 a.m., 220 km off the coast of Gaza. <a href="https://t.co/Zlpnjya8eC">pic.twitter.com/Zlpnjya8eC</a>&mdash; Global Sumud Flotilla (@GlobalSumud) <a href="https://twitter.com/GlobalSumud/status/1975771197330903235?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/photos-of-trump-s-swollen-ankles-during-carney-meet-reignite-health-rumors-and-his-talk-about-heaven-isn-t-helping-1759890398722">Photos of Trump’s swollen ankles during Carney meet reignite health rumours — and his talk about heaven isn’t helping</a><h2>Activists ‘safe’ or treated ‘like animals’?</h2>Previously, Thunberg, who, along with over 100 other volunteers, was detained, had alleged harsh treatment at the hands of the IDF. Talking to a Swedish official who visited the activist in prison, Greta Thunberg said she was beaten, denied basic needs, and kept in a bedbug-infested cell. Talking to Reuters, Malaysian national Hazwani Helmi and American citizen Windfield Beaver said that the detained activists were treated "like animals". They also said that Thunberg was "shoved and forced to wear an Israeli flag". Another volunteer, Paolo Romano, an Italian regional councillor, told AFP that detainees were “forced to kneel, face down” and beaten if they moved. “They laughed, insulted, and beat us using both psychological and physical violence,” he said.

The Gaza Freedom Flotilla, a coalition of humanitarian groups attempting to deliver aid to war-torn Gaza, said Wednesday (Oct 8) that its vessels came under attack from the Israeli military while en route to the besieged enclave.

Gaza Freedom Flotilla, which has been attempting to deliver much-needed aid to war-ravaged Gaza, on Wednesday (Oct 8) revealed that its vessels were under attack at the hands of the Israeli military. The organisation said that several of its boats were intercepted by Israel while sailing towards the Gaza Strip. It also alleged that Tel Aviv's military was jamming signals and had even boarded two of its boats in the latest attempt to intercept aid. Meanwhile, Israel labelled the aid vessel as "another futile attempt to breach its naval blockade" and said that all the passengers were "safe and in good health". This comes just days after famed Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and other activists who were detained in a similar interception revealed that they were mistreated while in Israeli detention. Also read | ‘Blatant act of desperation’: Greta Thunberg, activists detained as Israeli navy stops Gaza aid flotilla. Watch video Israel says aid-carrying activists will be deported soon In a post on X, the Israeli Foreign Ministry insisted that the detained activists were "safe and in good health" and said that “another futile attempt” to breach its “legal naval blockade” and enter the combat zone has “ended in nothing”. It added that “the passengers are expected to be deported promptly”.

The Gaza Freedom Flotilla, a coalition of humanitarian groups attempting to deliver aid to war-torn Gaza, said Wednesday (Oct 8) that its vessels came under attack from the Israeli military while en route to the besieged enclave.

Israel once again intercepts Gaza aid flotilla — organisers reveal IDF 'illegally' boarded boats, jammed signals

The Israeli foreign ministry on Thursday (Oct 2) announced that it would deport pro-Palestinian activists who were detained from a Global Sumud Flotilla to Europe. Once again hinting at alleged Hamas links, Israel said that the passengers of the flotilla, which includes famed Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, were on their way to Israel from where they'll be deported to Europe. "Hamas-Sumud passengers…are safe and in good health," the ministry said on X. This comes after reports that Israeli naval forces intercepted several vessels carrying humanitarian aid to famine-stricken Gaza.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-blatant-act-of-desperation-greta-thunberg-activists-detained-as-israeli-navy-stops-gaza-aid-flotilla-1759372426305">‘Blatant act of desperation’: Greta Thunberg, activists detained as Israeli navy stops Gaza aid flotilla. Watch video</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin. The passengers are safe and in good health. <a href="https://t.co/pzzitP5jN8">pic.twitter.com/pzzitP5jN8</a>&mdash; Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraelMFA/status/1973627808459981030?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Israel intercepts Gaza aid flotilla</h2>Thunberg's flotilla, called the Global Sumud Flotilla, set sail from Spain last month with around 45 vessels, aiming to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver symbolic supplies. Organisers said three boats—the Sirius, Alma, and Adara—were intercepted about 70 nautical miles from the Gaza coast. In a statement, as reported by AFP, Global Sumud Flotilla said, "Around 8:30 pm Gaza time (1730 GMT), several vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, including the Alma, Sirius and Adara, were illegally intercepted and boarded by Israeli occupation forces in international waters". The group added that contact with several other vessels was lost soon after the interceptions. "Beyond the confirmed interceptions, live streams and communications with several other vessels have been lost".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-s-humanitarian-city-a-relief-zone-for-gazans-or-a-concentration-camp-for-ethnic-cleansing-explained-1752655313058">Israel's proposed 'humanitarian city': A relief zone for Gazans or a concentration camp for ethnic cleansing? Explained</a>On X, the group called the interception “unlawful” and said that it was a “blatant act of desperation” to keep “Gaza starved and cut off”.<h2>Over 30 of 45 aid ships intercepted by Israel</h2>According to the flotilla's tracking system, by Thursday, more than 30 of the 45 ships had been intercepted or were presumed intercepted. The rest, according to Flotilla spokesperson Saif Abukeshek, were determined to continue. "They are determined. They are motivated, and they are doing everything within their hands to be able to break the siege by this early morning," he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Israel says pro-Palestinian activists from the Gaza aid flotilla, including Greta Thunberg, will be deported to Europe. The flotilla was intercepted at sea, with Israel again hinting at Hamas links while insisting all passengers are “safe and in good health.”

The Israeli foreign ministry on Thursday (Oct 2) announced that it would deport pro-Palestinian activists who were detained from a Global Sumud Flotilla to Europe. Once again hinting at alleged Hamas links, Israel said that the passengers of the flotilla, which includes famed Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, were on their way to Israel from where they'll be deported to Europe. "Hamas-Sumud passengers…are safe and in good health," the ministry said on X. This comes after reports that Israeli naval forces intercepted several vessels carrying humanitarian aid to famine-stricken Gaza. Also read | ‘Blatant act of desperation’: Greta Thunberg, activists detained as Israeli navy stops Gaza aid flotilla. Watch video

Israel says pro-Palestinian activists from the Gaza aid flotilla, including Greta Thunberg, will be deported to Europe. The flotilla was intercepted at sea, with Israel again hinting at Hamas links while insisting all passengers are “safe and in good health.”

‘Hamas-Sumud passengers’: Israel to deport Gaza flotilla activists, including Greta Thunberg, to Europe

Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in the Mediterranean, prompting strong condemnation from Turkey, which labeled the action an "act of terrorism." The flotilla, carrying medicine, food, and international activists, aimed to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza. The diplomatic fallout adds to rising regional tensions.

Israel intercepts Gaza-bound aid flotilla | Turkey calls it 'act of terrorism' 

Several boats carrying humanitarian aid to famine-stricken Gaza were intercepted by the Israeli navy late Wednesday (Oct 1), sparking outrage from activists and fresh diplomatic ripples across Europe. On board the flotilla was famed Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, confirmed the Israeli foreign ministry. A video released by the ministry showed her sitting on a ship’s deck as officers handed her a water bottle and raincoat. Officials stressed that Thunberg and her companions were “safe and healthy.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-claims-documents-from-gaza-show-hamas-s-direct-involvement-with-aid-flotilla-with-greta-thunberg-on-board-1759304023711">Israel claims Hamas link to Gaza aid flotilla boarded by Greta Thunberg</a><h2>Israel intercepts Gaza aid flotilla</h2>Thunberg's flotilla, called the Global Sumud Flotilla, set sail from Spain last month with around 45 vessels, aiming to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver symbolic supplies. Organisers said three boats—the Sirius, Alma, and Adara—were intercepted about 70 nautical miles from the Gaza coast. In a statement, as reported by AFP, Global Sumud Flotilla said, "Around 8:30 pm Gaza time (1730 GMT), several vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, including the Alma, Sirius and Adara, were illegally intercepted and boarded by Israeli occupation forces in international waters". The group added that contact with several other vessels was lost soon after the interceptions. "Beyond the confirmed interceptions, live streams and communications with several other vessels have been lost".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-s-humanitarian-city-a-relief-zone-for-gazans-or-a-concentration-camp-for-ethnic-cleansing-explained-1752655313058">Israel's proposed 'humanitarian city': A relief zone for Gazans or a concentration camp for ethnic cleansing? Explained</a>On X, the group called the interception “unlawful” and said that it was a “blatant act of desperation” to keep “Gaza starved and cut off”.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The unlawful interception of the Flotilla is no act of self-defense — it is a blatant act of desperation. It lays bare the extremes the occupier is willing to pursue to keep Gaza starved and cut off. A peaceful civilian mission is attacked precisely because the arrival of… <a href="https://t.co/SphH9cAVfd">pic.twitter.com/SphH9cAVfd</a>&mdash; Global Sumud Flotilla ✨ (@GSMFlotilla) <a href="https://twitter.com/GSMFlotilla/status/1973500905095045396?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Israeli Foreign Ministry also shared information on the captured flotilla. In a video the ministry shared on X, Greta Thunberg can be seen sitting on a ship's deck being handed a water bottle and a raincoat. "Already several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port. Greta and her friends are safe and healthy," reads the video caption.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Already several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port. Greta and her friends are safe and healthy. <a href="https://t.co/PA1ezier9s">pic.twitter.com/PA1ezier9s</a>&mdash; Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraelMFA/status/1973479557622899030?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Israeli forces told not to use violence</h2>Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that the operation was expected to take two to three hours, and said Israeli forces had been instructed “not to use violence.”The flotilla included a wide mix of activists, politicians and high-profile figures, such as Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela, former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, and members of the European Parliament. Despite the interception, organisers said they remained committed to breaking the blockade and drawing attention to what they describe as a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

Israeli forces have intercepted several boats of the Gaza aid flotilla, including the vessel carrying Greta Thunberg, around 70 nautical miles off Gaza. 

Several boats carrying humanitarian aid to famine-stricken Gaza were intercepted by the Israeli navy late Wednesday (Oct 1), sparking outrage from activists and fresh diplomatic ripples across Europe. On board the flotilla was famed Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, confirmed the Israeli foreign ministry. A video released by the ministry showed her sitting on a ship’s deck as officers handed her a water bottle and raincoat. Officials stressed that Thunberg and her companions were “safe and healthy.” Also read | Israel claims Hamas link to Gaza aid flotilla boarded by Greta Thunberg Israel intercepts Gaza aid flotilla Thunberg's flotilla, called the Global Sumud Flotilla, set sail from Spain last month with around 45 vessels, aiming to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver symbolic supplies. Organisers said three boats—the Sirius, Alma, and Adara—were intercepted about 70 nautical miles from the Gaza coast. In a statement, as reported by AFP, Global Sumud Flotilla said, "Around 8:30 pm Gaza time (1730 GMT), several vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, including the Alma, Sirius and Adara, were illegally intercepted and boarded by Israeli occupation forces in international waters". The group added that contact with several other vessels was lost soon after the interceptions. "Beyond the confirmed interceptions, live streams and communications with several other vessels have been lost". Also read | Israel's proposed 'humanitarian city': A relief zone for Gazans or a concentration camp for ethnic cleansing? Explained On X, the group called the interception “unlawful” and said that it was a “blatant act of desperation” to keep “Gaza starved and cut off”.

Israeli forces have intercepted several boats of the Gaza aid flotilla, including the vessel carrying Greta Thunberg, around 70 nautical miles off Gaza.&nbsp;

‘Blatant act of desperation’: Greta Thunberg, activists detained as Israeli navy stops Gaza aid flotilla. Watch video

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Turkey issues 'genocide' warrant for Israeli PM Netanyahu over Gaza flotilla

Israel again intercepts Gaza aid flotilla, organisers say boats boarded illegaly

Israel to deport Gaza flotilla activists, including Greta Thunberg, to Europe

Israel intercepts Gaza-bound aid flotilla | Turkey calls it 'act of terrorism'

Greta Thunberg detained as Israel stops Gaza aid flotilla. Watch video