Türkiye’s Istanbul 11th Heavy Penal Court has taken a decisive step against Israeli war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu, issuing an interim decision to seek an Interpol red notice for his role in atrocities against the Palestinian people.

The decision comes amid Israel’s ongoing genocidal campaign in Gaza, where relentless bombardment, forced starvation, and systematic destruction have claimed the lives of over 73,000 Palestinians since October 2023, with more than 173,000 wounded. A devastating majority of the victims are women, children, and civilians, as Israeli forces have repeatedly targeted residential areas, hospitals, schools, and humanitarian zones.

HÜDA PAR’s Human Rights and Legal Affairs Directorate strongly welcomed the Turkish court’s move as “an extremely important step” in the global fight against Israeli impunity and for the establishment of international justice.

“The Istanbul 11th Heavy Penal Court has issued an interim decision to issue a red notice for Binyamin Netanyahu, the ringleader of the Israeli terrorist regime, in the Sumud Flotilla case,” the Directorate stated. “This decision is an extremely important step in the fight against impunity and the establishment of international justice.”

The Sumud Flotilla was a humanitarian mission carrying vital aid to besieged Gaza when it was violently intercepted by Israeli forces. The Directorate stressed that the ruling must lead to concrete action: “This decision must not remain on paper; international judicial cooperation mechanisms must be operated effectively.” It urged Interpol to handle the request impartially, in accordance with universal principles of law and free from political pressure.

“Crimes committed in Gaza must not go unpunished”

The statement further declared: “This decision carries a historic responsibility to pave the way for the effective investigation of genocide and crimes against humanity. We publicly declare that we will continue to follow every legal process so that the crimes committed in Gaza do not go unpunished.”

As Israel continues its brutal assault — even after fragile ceasefire attempts — Palestinian health authorities report over 1,000 additional deaths since the truce, with recent strikes killing children and entire families. The systematic nature of these attacks, including the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, has led many international voices to label Israel’s actions as genocide and crimes against humanity.

This bold Turkish judicial action stands as a beacon of hope for the Palestinian people and all those demanding accountability. It sends a powerful message that the suffering inflicted on Gaza — the mass killing, displacement, and destruction — will not be forgotten, and those responsible, starting with Netanyahu, must face justice on the world stage. Pro-Palestinian advocates and human rights defenders worldwide are calling for similar measures from other nations and institutions to ensure the Palestinian cause for freedom and dignity triumphs. (ILKHA)