Israel Strikes Back: Firm Condemnation of Terror Attack on Consulate in Turkey
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Jerusalem, April 7 (NationPress) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel (MFA) issued a strong condemnation on Tuesday regarding the terrorist assault that targeted the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, asserting that “terror will not deter” their resolve.
This declaration followed a gunfire exchange involving three assailants and police officers stationed outside the premises of the now-closed Israeli Consulate in Istanbul. Reports indicate that all three attackers were neutralized during the incident in the Besiktas district.
“We unequivocally denounce the terrorist act against the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul today. We commend the rapid response of the Turkish security forces in preventing further escalation. Israeli diplomatic missions globally have faced numerous threats and assaults. Terror will not deter us,” the MFA remarked on X.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has initiated an inquiry into the event, as reported by Turkey’s prominent news outlet, Daily Sabah, referencing statements from Justice Minister Akin Gurlek.
“Following reports of gunfire near the Israeli Consulate in the Besiktas area of Istanbul, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office quickly commenced an investigation. A deputy chief public prosecutor along with two public prosecutors has been assigned to the case; they have promptly arrived at the scene to conduct examinations,” Gurlek stated on X.
“Coordinated with our Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and in collaboration with pertinent law enforcement agencies, efforts are ongoing to thoroughly clarify the incident, and the investigation is proceeding meticulously and comprehensively,” he added.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gul noted that the Consulate building has not been in active diplomatic use for around 2.5 years. He also reported that two police officers sustained minor injuries during the firefight.
Turkey’s Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci later confirmed that the three attackers involved in the armed confrontation with police have been neutralized and their identities established.
“Three individuals who engaged in an armed clash with our police officers at the Yapi Kredi Plaza Blocks in Istanbul have been neutralized. In the altercation, two of our brave police officers sustained minor injuries. The terrorists have been identified, and it has been confirmed that they arrived in Istanbul via a rental vehicle from Izmit; one is linked to a group that misuses religion, and one of the two terrorists, who are siblings, has a history of drug offenses,” Mustafa Ciftci posted on X.
Initial assessments suggest that no diplomatic personnel were present during the incident, as reported by Daily Sabah.