In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Turkey has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several senior officials, accusing them of genocide and crimes against humanity. The warrants, announced by the Istanbul prosecutor’s office on Friday, target 37 individuals, including Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. The move underscores Turkey’s ongoing criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which it claims constitute systematic violations of international law. The prosecutor’s statement specifically referenced the destruction of the ‘Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital’ in Gaza, a facility built by Turkey and bombed by Israel in March. This development follows Turkey’s decision last year to join South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the nation of genocide. Meanwhile, a fragile ceasefire brokered as part of US President Donald Trump’s regional peace plan has been in effect in Gaza since October 10, offering a temporary respite in the conflict.