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ISTANBUL: A Turkish court has begun proceedings against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 34 other Israeli officials over alleged crimes linked to the interception of Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotillas, including charges of crimes against humanity, torture and unlawful detention.
The first hearing took place on Friday, 23 October, at Istanbul’s 11th High Criminal Court. The 35 defendants are being tried in absentia, as none appeared before the court.
The case centres on Israeli forces’ interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla and other civilian vessels attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and challenge Israel’s naval blockade.
According to the allegations outlined in the case, activists were intercepted in international waters, detained and taken to Israel. Some participants have alleged that they were subjected to physical abuse, mistreatment and degrading conditions in custody, while their belongings were confiscated.
The indictment names Netanyahu alongside senior Israeli figures, including Defence Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and military chief Eyal Zamir.
The charges include crimes against humanity, genocide, torture, unlawful deprivation of liberty, causing injury, aggravated robbery, property damage and the unlawful seizure or detention of vessels. The allegations have yet to be established through a final court judgment.
Following the hearing, the court maintained the existing arrest warrants against all 35 defendants and kept requests for Interpol Red Notices in place. However, there was no confirmation that Interpol had issued the notices. A Red Notice is a request to locate and provisionally arrest a person, not an international arrest warrant.
The court also ordered prosecutors to investigate allegations that Turkish nationals were involved in mistreating flotilla participants while they were held in Israel. It directed authorities to examine whether the defendants own movable or immovable property in Türkiye and requested documents related to proceedings involving them before the International Criminal Court (ICC), along with a relevant United Nations report.
The judges further asked prosecutors to consider preparing a separate indictment setting out specific allegations and supporting evidence concerning crimes allegedly committed against civilians in Gaza beyond the flotilla incident.
The case follows an indictment filed by Istanbul prosecutors in April, seeking aggravated life sentences and lengthy prison terms over the alleged offences. The proceedings are being pursued under Turkish law in connection with the interception of humanitarian vessels in international waters.
The court adjourned the hearing until 30 March 2027. The charges remain allegations, and the defendants have not been convicted in the case.