2026 attack on Israeli consulate in Istanbul
Terrorist attack in Istanbul, Turkey
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On 7 April, 2026, three gunmen attacked the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. One attacker was killed while two other gunmen and two police officers sustained injuries.[2][3] Both Turkey and Israel declared the attack an act of terrorism.[4]
Istanbul, Turkey
12:15 (UTC+3)
| 2026 attack on Israeli consulate in Istanbul | |
|---|---|
| Part of Turkey–Islamic State conflict | |
 | |
| Location | 41°4′53″N 29°0′45.6″E Istanbul, Turkey |
| Date | 7 April 2026 12:15 (UTC+3) |
| Target | Consulate General of Israel in Istanbul and police officers |
Attack type | Shootout, terrorist attack |
| Deaths | 1 (a perpetrator) |
| Injured | 4 (including 2 perpetrators) |
| Perpetrators | |
No. of participants | 3 |
| Motive | Religious terrorism |
Background
The attack took place during the 2026 Iran war, causing high tensions all around the Middle East and the European continent.[5] The conflict has strained Israel–Turkey relations.[6]
The three gunmen arrived in Istanbul via a rental car from İzmit, around 100 kilometres east of Istanbul.[7]
The attack
On 7 April, 2026, at 12:15 pm (UTC+3),[7] three perpetrators opened fire next to the Israeli Consulate building in Istanbul. At least two dozens shots were heard in less than a minute. The consulate was not staffed at the time of the shooting.[1] One of the attackers was killed by a police officer. Two perpetrators were injured and captured, and two police officers were lightly injured.[8] Both officers were transported to hospital in non-life threatening condition.[1]
Investigation
Turkey police sealed off the area and the incident was being investigated as an terrorist attack.[9] Turkish interior minister Mustafa Çiftçi identified the deceased gunman as Yunus E.S., and the injured being Onur Ç and Enes Ç, who are brothers. He claimed Yunus E.S. belonged to a group connected to "an organisation that exploits religion". Turkish media speculated that this might be the Islamic State, although no group had claimed responsibility for it at the time.[1] Nine people were detained in connection with the attack.[10]
In a nationwide operation Turkey arrested nearly 200 Islamic State suspects.[11][12]
Reactions
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, calling it an act of Islamic terrorism, and thanked the Turkish security forces' quick action.[1]
United States Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack condemned the attack, calling it an "attack on international order" and commending the Turkish security forces for their response.[13]
Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called it a "heinous terrorist attack" and said it would not affect or damage Turkey's trust and security.[6]