ANKARA (UPI) — Turkey has begun an investigation of Israeli officials on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza, say prosecutors in Ankara.
Under Turkey’s penal code, courts in the country are permitted to try suspects for genocide and torture even if the crime was carried out in another country, Turkey’s Hurriet daily reported Friday.
At issue is Israel’s recent 22-day air and ground offensive in Gaza against Hamas.
The news organization says the probe was triggered by the filing of a criminal complaint against Israeli President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and the heads of the Israeli army and military intelligence.
It was brought by the Organization of Human Rights and Solidarity for Oppressed People, identified as a non-governmental religious group.