Gun Attack at Istanbul’s Israeli Consulate Leaves One Dead, Two Wounded
A shooting near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul resulted in one assailant being killed and two others injured, according to Turkish authorities. The incident, described by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a “heinous act of terror,” unfolded in broad daylight and drew a heavy police response. Initial reports mistakenly stated two attackers had died, but local governor Davut Gul later clarified that only one was fatally shot.
Attackers’ Background and Connection to Terror Group
Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci confirmed the attackers arrived in Istanbul from Izmit via a rental car. He noted that two of the assailants were brothers. In a statement on X, the interior ministry identified the deceased gunman as Yunus E.S., who was linked to a terrorist organization leveraging religious extremism. While Islamic State is suspected, no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack.
“We will not allow the climate of trust in Turkey to be damaged by such vile and timed provocations as today’s,” said Erdogan, condemning the attack as a deliberate act.
The injured attackers, named Onur Ç and Enes Ç, were also brothers. Meanwhile, two police officers sustained minor injuries during the gunfight—one shot in the leg, the other in the ear. The ministry reported that intensive digital communications were intercepted among the three terrorists involved, with ongoing interrogations of the wounded.
Details of the Assault and Aftermath
Footage from social media appears to show a lone attacker being shot by police and collapsing on the ground. Witnesses described the gunfire as “loud” and persistent for “15-20 minutes.” Unverified videos circulated online depicting police vans and a significant security presence surrounding the consulate, which remained cordoned off for several hours.
Notably, no Israeli diplomatic staff were present at the consulate during the attack. Located in Istanbul’s Besiktas district, the building has been empty for over two-and-a-half years due to strained relations between Ankara and Tel Aviv over the Gaza conflict. The justice minister announced an investigation into the incident has begun.
