Shooting Near Israeli Consulate in Istanbul Kills Three

A shooting incident unfolded near the Israeli consulate building in Istanbul's Besiktas District on Tuesday. Several gunmen were involved, though it remains unclear if the consulate was the intended target.

The Israeli consulate in question has been closed and unstaffed for at least two years. This detail was confirmed by both a local community member and a spokesperson for Israel's Foreign Ministry.

Three individuals were killed and two police officers sustained injuries during the incident. Turkish media outlets, including NTV and CNN Turk, reported that the three deceased individuals were the attackers, who were shot by Turkish security forces.

Turkish media outlets reported that the three deceased individuals were the attackers, who were shot by Turkish security forces.

Reuters reviewed video footage showing a police officer drawing a weapon and seeking cover amidst ongoing gunfire, with one person observed covered in blood. A substantial armed police presence is typically maintained around the Israeli consulate. Following the shooting, television footage displayed armed police actively patrolling the area.

Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek stated that three investigators have been assigned to examine the incident. Gurlek confirmed the event occurred outside the Israeli consulate. He refrained from commenting on whether the incident was antisemitic or anti-Zionist, emphasizing that the investigation is being conducted "meticulously and in a multifaceted manner."