Turkey has issued arrest warrants targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 36 other officials, accusing them of "genocide" and "crimes against humanity." The warrants, released by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office on November 7, focus on actions in Gaza and the interception of an aid flotilla last month. Among those listed are high-ranking figures, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and military chief Eyal Zamir.

Israel swiftly condemned the move, dismissing it as politically motivated. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar labeled the warrants a "PR stunt" orchestrated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Sa'ar also criticized Turkey's judicial system, alleging it has been used to suppress political opponents, journalists, and local leaders, referencing the prior arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

In contrast, Hamas welcomed the warrants, praising Turkey's leadership for taking a firm stance. The group described the legal action as confirmation of Turkey's "noble positions" in supporting the Palestinian cause. The announcement has fueled discussions about Turkey's potential role in the multinational efforts to stabilize Gaza following recent U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreements.

Earlier this week, representatives from several Muslim-majority nations met in Istanbul to discuss forming an International Stabilization Force (ISF) for Gaza. The force is intended to train a Palestinian police unit and assist in maintaining security in the enclave, a crucial element of the ongoing peace plan supported by the United States.

U.S. officials have previously highlighted Turkey as a key partner, given its influence in securing Hamas's compliance with the ceasefire. However, Israel has firmly opposed the deployment of Turkish troops, emphasizing that any foreign presence in Gaza requires explicit Israeli consent, as reiterated by U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

These developments follow last year's International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes. Like the ICC case, Netanyahu's office dismissed the Turkish warrant as "absurd and antisemitic," reflecting ongoing tensions between Israel and international legal authorities over accountability in Gaza.

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