Türkiye opens trial of Netanyahu and 34 other Israelis over 2025 interception of Gaza-bound Sumud flotilla

A Turkish court has opened the trial of 35 Israelis, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over Israel’s 2025 interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid toward Gaza.

The first hearing began Friday at Istanbul’s 11th High Criminal Court, with activists who had been detained during the operation appearing as complainants and giving testimony.

Turkish prosecutors accuse the defendants of crimes including crimes against humanity, genocide, aggravated deprivation of liberty, torture, aggravated robbery, property damage and hijacking or obstructing transportation. They are seeking aggravated life sentences and additional prison terms.

The indictment says Israeli naval forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters and detained activists who were later returned to Türkiye, where some underwent forensic and psychological examinations.

Several complainants told the court they had been subjected to degrading treatment and abuse after their detention. One activist alleged that women were strip-searched and that detainees were mistreated in Israeli custody. The allegations have not been adjudicated.

Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, former defense minister Yoav Gallant, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir are among the defendants.

The court ordered authorities to identify additional individuals named in complainants’ testimony and take the necessary legal steps against them.