A gunman was shot dead, and two individuals sustained injuries following a shooting incident outside the Israeli consulate in Turkey.
According to Turkey’s Interior Minister, the attack occurred at approximately 12:15 PM local time, when three assailants opened fire on police officers stationed outside the consulate.
In response to what he termed a “treacherous attack,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pledged to combat “terrorism.” An investigation has been initiated by the Istanbul public prosecutor’s office.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that the consulate was unoccupied at the time of the shooting, which took place during lunchtime on Tuesday.
In a televised address, President Erdoğan stated, “We will maintain our fight against all forms of terrorism and will not let provocations undermine Turkey’s security environment.”
Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi revealed that two of the attackers were siblings and confirmed their identities in a post on social media. He mentioned that one of the attackers had affiliations with a group that misuses religion for its agenda.
Further clarification from the ministry indicated that the deceased gunman had connections to a terrorist organization.
The assailants traveled to Istanbul from Izmit, located about 100 kilometers east of the city, using a rented vehicle, and subsequently engaged in a confrontation with police near the Yapı Kredi Plaza Blocks, as reported by Çiftçi.
Two police officers were treated for minor injuries as a result of the altercation.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude towards the Turkish authorities for their quick response in preventing the attack. “We commend the swift actions of the Turkish security forces in thwarting this incident,” their statement emphasized. “Israeli missions worldwide have faced numerous threats and acts of terrorism. Terror will not deter us.”
Amid escalating tensions regarding the situation in Gaza, Israel had previously withdrawn its diplomats from Turkey due to security concerns. Turkey has been vocal in its criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, as well as in Lebanon and Iran, and had recalled its ambassador from Israel in November 2023.
Since that time, diplomatic relations between the two nations have effectively stalled, and a heavy police presence has been maintained around the Israeli consulate.
Footage from the scene captured one of the assailants armed with what appeared to be an assault rifle, taking cover behind a bus while exchanging gunfire with police. A police officer was seen collapsing to the ground after being shot, subsequently rolling behind a tree for protection.
A significant law enforcement presence remains outside the consulate, located in the Levent business district on Istanbul’s European side. Police have cordoned off the area and restricted access to several roads, while forensic teams in protective gear are investigating the site for evidence.
Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced that three prosecutors, including a deputy chief prosecutor, have been appointed to oversee the investigation.
US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack condemned the attack in strong terms, stating, “Attacks on diplomatic missions are assaults on the international order and the principles that unite nations,” in a message shared on social media.
