Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Gunfire erupted outside a building housing the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, April 7, resulting in the death of an armed assailant. Two others were reportedly injured during the exchange of fire, while two police officers sustained minor injuries.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, stating that “terrorism will not deter us from continuing our work.” In a post on X, the ministry emphasized that Israeli missions worldwide have faced numerous threats and terrorist attacks, reaffirming that “terrorism will not prevent us from carrying out our duties.”
Istanbul Governor Davut Gul said that the attackers were armed with rifles and handguns and that the consulate had been unoccupied by Israeli diplomats for over two and a half years. Turkish media reported that three suspects were involved, dressed in camouflage and carrying backpacks.
The Turkish Ministry of Justice has opened an investigation, assigning three prosecutors to the case. Authorities stated that the assailant who was killed had links to a terrorist organization. Interior Minister Mustafa Cevitci noted that all three attackers were connected to a group known as “Exploiting Religion.”
Security forces responded swiftly, with heavily armed police patrolling the area following the incident. Footage broadcast on Turkish television showed officers taking cover while returning fire and securing the vicinity.
No Israeli diplomats were present at the consulate at the time of the attack, and authorities continue to investigate the motives and affiliations of the remaining suspects.
