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Gunfire Near Israeli Consulate in Istanbul Leaves Several Dead, Police Injured
By Aurax Radio | April 07, 2026 | 2 min read
At least three people were killed and two police officers injured in a prolonged gun battle outside the building housing the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, with Turkish authorities saying attackers opened fire before security forces neutralised the threat.
Scenes from the Shooting Incident where several persons were killed. Source Image: Reuters
Istanbul, Turkey — A deadly shooting erupted Tuesday outside the building that houses the Israeli Consulate General in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries, according to Turkish officials and international media reports.
Gunfire broke out near the consulate’s security checkpoint in the city’s financial district, where heavily armed assailants exchanged shots with law enforcement. Reuters witnesses said the firefight lasted at least 10 minutes, with attackers firing both automatic rifles and handguns.
Turkish authorities said three people were killed during the incident; while details vary, local reports describe them as assailants who were “neutralised” by police after opening fire. At least two police officers sustained injuries and were treated for non‑life‑threatening wounds.
The building housing the Israeli Consulate General in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district, near where the shooting unfolded. (Stock image
Video from the scene showed officers drawing their weapons and taking cover as shots rang out near parked police vehicles. Footage also depicted at least one individual covered in blood, highlighting the chaotic nature of the confrontation.
Officials have not yet publicly confirmed a motive for the attack or the identity of the assailants. Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci said there were indications the attackers had links to an organisation that “exploits religion,” but did not specify which group.
Although the incident took place outside the consulate building, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said diplomatic staff were not present at the site; the consulate has been unmanned since 2023, following heightened tensions after the broader Middle East conflict.
A security checkpoint similar to those around diplomatic missions in Istanbul. (Stock image)
In response, Istanbul’s security forces sealed off the area, and police continue to investigate. The shooting highlights the ongoing security challenges facing diplomatic sites in the region amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Reuters, CBS
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