Netanyahu and 34 Israeli Officials Face Crimes-against-Humanity Trial in Istanbul

A landmark legal proceeding began in Istanbul, where Turkish prosecutors have charged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 34 other Israeli officials with a range of offenses, including torture, unlawful deprivation of liberty, aggravated robbery, vessel hijacking and crimes against humanity. Among the accused are ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Israel Katz, as well as senior military leaders. The case focuses on the illegal interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian convoy of more than 50 ships that departed Barcelona in August 2025 to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza.

Survivors claim they were subjected to rape, assault, degrading treatment and denial of medical care after being detained in international waters. Turkey secured the release of hundreds of participants on charter flights to Istanbul, where evidence of mistreatment was gathered. The trial, pursued under universal jurisdiction, follows the issuance of arrest warrants in July and a request for an Interpol red notice in August.